EHCP timeline calculator
Enter the date the council received your request for an EHC needs assessment to see the statutory deadlines. Add your draft plan and decision dates for your comment and appeal deadlines. For England.
How the time limits work
How long does an EHC needs assessment take?
The council has 6 weeks from your request to decide whether to assess, 16 weeks to decide whether to issue a plan, and 20 weeks to issue the final EHC plan. There are some exceptions.
How long do I have to comment on a draft EHC plan?
At least 15 days. Use that time to check every need has specific support and to name the school or setting you want.
What is the deadline to appeal to the SEND Tribunal?
Usually 2 months from the date of the decision letter, or 1 month from the date of your mediation certificate, whichever is later. You normally need a mediation certificate before appealing, unless the appeal is only about the school or placement named in the plan.
What about moving to secondary school or post-16?
For a move to secondary school, the plan should be amended by 15 February in the year of transfer. For a move from secondary school to post-16, it is 31 March.
Does this apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. Each has its own system and time limits. See our guides for Wales (ALN and IDPs) and Scotland (additional support needs).
Keep every date, report and meeting in one place
The Case Ready EHCP binder has a key dates sheet, a one-page profile, a provision tracker, review preparation pages and a tracker workbook that counts down the days left. See the SEND organisers or read the free EHCP checklist.
Sources: IPSEA: what happens in an EHC needs assessment; IPSEA: asking for an assessment; IPSEA: how to submit an appeal; IPSEA: mediation. This calculator gives general information, not legal advice.