There are a number of ways an EHC plan can be changed. One of them is by appealing its contents to the SEND Tribunal. If you have a letter from your local authority (LA) saying you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal, see our information about mediation and appeal.

There are other ways an EHC plan can be changed.

Once an EHC plan is in place for a child or young person, it is unlikely to remain the same over time. As they grow up, it may become out of date, and they may move to a different school or college.

If your child or young person has an EHC plan and you move permanently to a different local authority, the EHC plan will move with them, but the new LA might wish to make changes to the plan. If your child moves temporarily to a new LA or abroad, the situation may be different. For more information on when an EHC plan transfers to a new LA and when it does not, please see our moving with an EHC plan – permanent and temporary moves page.

Additionally, at least once a year, the EHC plan should be reviewed by your LA and the school or college, working together with you and your child (this is called an annual review). If your child is moving to a new school or college, the annual review must be carried out well in advance of the move.

Your LA can also decide to make changes to the EHC plan outside of the annual review process, but it must still follow the statutory amendment process.

Sometimes, it might be necessary to ask for an early review where it is necessary to change the EHC plan more urgently – for example, if a school placement has broken down.

If there is a significant change in your child’s needs, then you might want to consider asking for a re-assessment of their needs. If you are a young person, you can request a re-assessment yourself. You can learn lots more about re-assessments below. 

Click on the links below to read more. 

Annual review

Asking for an early review of an EHC plan

Phase transfer reviews

Re-assessments

Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

FAQs