SEND Reform Parent Action Plan | EHCP Clarity
Action plan

SEND reform parent action plan

Reform may change the system later. Your child's needs need a plan now. Use this action plan to get clear on support, evidence, gaps and next steps.

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Quick answer

This seven-step plan helps parents act under the current EHCP system while SEND reform is still proposed. It does not require you to understand every policy detail — just to get organised on your child's support, evidence and next step.

Your seven-step parent action plan

  1. 1

    Step 1: Write down current concerns

    List specific examples — academic, social, emotional, sensory, attendance. Use dates and describe impact at home and school.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Map what school is providing

    Request the current SEN support plan, provision map and review records. Note what is supposed to happen versus what actually happens.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Identify what is not working

    Compare your child's needs to the support provided. Where are the gaps? Is progress stalling despite intervention?

  4. 4

    Step 4: Gather evidence

    Collect school data, professional reports, emails, attendance records and your parent chronology. See our evidence checklist.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Decide whether to request an EHC needs assessment

    If SEN support is insufficient and needs cannot be met from mainstream resources, you can request an assessment under current law. You do not need school agreement.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Prepare for refusal or delay

    Know your rights if the local authority refuses to assess, delays beyond statutory timescales, or issues an inadequate plan. Mediation and SEND Tribunal routes still apply.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Use EHCP Clarity to organise the pack

    Structure your evidence, draft your request letter and parent statement, and identify missing information before contacting the local authority.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this action plan take?
Evidence gathering typically takes weeks to months depending on what you already have. The local authority has 6 weeks to decide on an assessment request and up to 20 weeks to a final EHCP. Starting now — under current rules — gives you time to build a strong case.
Should I wait for the new SEND system?
If your child is struggling and support is not enough, waiting for reform is unlikely to resolve the problem. The current EHCP process is still the route parents use today. Evidence, school records and professional reports take time to gather — and local authority decisions and appeals can add further months of delay.
Can EHCP Clarity help me apply?
EHCP Clarity helps parents organise information, check which route may apply, build evidence checklists, draft parent statements and chronologies, and prepare a structured pack for review. It does not provide legal advice, does not guarantee an assessment or EHCP outcome, and does not replace SENDIASS, IPSEA or a SEND solicitor.

Related guides

EHCP guides

Sources and further reading

Important: EHCP Clarity provides general information and document-organisation support. It is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice and does not guarantee an EHC needs assessment, EHCP, school placement or tribunal outcome. Parents should use official guidance and seek specialist legal advice where needed.

This is general information, not legal advice. EHCP Clarity helps parents organise and prepare their own materials. It does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or tribunal advocacy, and nothing on this page should be relied on as a substitute for advice about your specific situation. For free independent expert support, contact IPSEA, SOS!SEN, or your local SENDIASS. For legal representation, instruct a SEND solicitor.

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