Recommendation 12

At the time of writing, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, which temporarily modify the time limits in relation to EHC assessment and Plans, were due to expire on 25 September. This will add further pressure to local authorities already facing the huge challenge of dealing with an inevitable backlog of cases. The Department must set out a clear national strategy for managing the backlog of EHC assessments and Plans, to ensure children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities get the support they need, within the statutory timescales. It should also set out in guidance to local authorities clear criteria for prioritising EHC cases. (Paragraph 60) Parliamentary review