Statutory timescales
The time limits councils in England must work to. They are set by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 and explained in the SEND Code of Practice.
These time limits are a guide only. There are exceptions, and the dates in your own letters are the ones that apply to your child. If you are not sure, one of the free advice services below can check them with you.
| Step | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Request for assessment to decision | 6 weeks |
| Told if no EHC plan will be issued | 16 weeks (from request) |
| Final EHC plan issued | 20 weeks (from request) |
| Annual review to decision letter | 4 weeks |
Checked against the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 on 4 October 2026.
Work out a deadline
Pick the step and the date it started from, and this works out the date it falls due.
Falls due: 25 November 2026
Get support and advice
Organisations that can offer independent advice and support, beyond what SENDSerene provides.
Free, independent legal advice on SEND law, including EHCPs and what a local authority must do.
Free, impartial local information, advice and support. Every local authority runs its own, so use the national locator to find yours.
A free, independent helpline focused specifically on SEND tribunal appeals and advice. Helpline: 020 8538 3731.
A national charity for families with disabled children, with a helpline and support on benefits and EHCPs.
Parent-led guides and plain-English explanations of the SEND system, written by people who have been through it.
Some areas let you self-refer directly for things like speech and language therapy or an autism assessment, without waiting for a GP or school referral. This varies by council, so it's worth checking your own council's SEND Local Offer page or asking your GP or health visitor what's available where you live.
These organisations are independent of SENDSerene. We list them because parents find them useful, not because we are connected to them or can speak for their advice.