Help and support for families
Annual Review Guide for parents and carers
Introduction and purpose of this guide
This guide has been written to help parents and carers understand the Annual Review process for a child or young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
It explains what an Annual Review is, why it matters, who is involved, and how you can prepare for and take part in the meeting with confidence.
The guide also aims to reassure you that your views – and your child’s views – are central to the process, and to help ensure the EHCP continues to reflect your child’s needs, strengths, and next steps.
1. What is an Annual Review?
An Annual Review is a regular, supportive meeting with your child’s school (and other professionals where appropriate) to review your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
- It usually takes place every 12 months, often around the same time each year.
- For children under the age of 5, reviews usually happen every 6 months.
The Annual Review is not a test or inspection. It is an opportunity for everyone involved to work together to understand what is going well, what may need to change, and how best to support your child moving forward.
The purpose of the Annual Review is to:
- Look at your child’s progress since the last review.
- Agree new or updated outcomes and targets.
- Make sure your child continues to receive the right support for their needs.
2. Why is the Annual Review important?
- The EHCP is a legal document, and the Annual Review helps ensure your child receives the provision they are entitled to.
- It celebrates your child’s progress and achievements, including small steps and wider development.
- It helps everyone involved think clearly about the next steps your child needs to take.
- It checks that the plan is still right for your child, including their cultural, linguistic, religious, and personal needs.
- It ensures that education, health, and social care support continue to work together effectively.
- It gives parents, carers, and professionals a chance to share views and suggest changes where needed.
You do not need expert knowledge to take part. Your experience of your child’s day-to-day life is extremely valuable.
3. Who can attend?
People who may attend an Annual Review include:
- Your child, in a way that is appropriate for their age and needs.
- You (parent/carer) – your voice matters. You may bring someone to support you, such as a family member, friend, or advocate. Please let the school know in advance.
- Teachers and other school staff who work closely with your child.
Other professionals may also be invited, such as:
- Therapists
- Health professionals
- Local Authority SEND officer
- Social worker
- Respite or short-break providers
- An interpreter, if needed
Parents can ask for anyone to be invited if they support their child’s education, health, or care, including professionals involved in planning next steps (such as careers advisors for older pupils).
Your child’s views should always be included. This may be through a written report, pictures, symbols, videos, or support from a trusted adult. Sometimes, if appropriate, your child may attend all or part of the meeting.
4. Timeline at a glance
- 6–4 weeks before the review: You receive an invitation to the meeting.
- Around 2 weeks before: You should receive reports from the school and sometimes from other professionals, along with a form to share your views and a list of invited attendees. If someone important is missing, you can ask the school to invite them.
- Meeting day: Reports are discussed, progress is reviewed, and next steps are agreed.
- Within 2 weeks after the meeting: The school sends the meeting notes to the Local Authority.
- Within 4 weeks: The Local Authority decides whether to keep the EHCP as it is, amend it, or (very rarely) cease the plan.
- Within 8 weeks: Any agreed changes to the EHCP are finalised.
5. How to prepare for an Annual Review meeting
Accept the invitation and confirm you will attend.
- Think about any support or adjustments you might need, such as:
- Information in simpler language
- Translation or interpretation
- Wheelchair access
- A quiet space
- Timings that do not clash with prayer times
If you need an interpreter or other adjustments, ask the school as early as possible.
Although meetings are usually held at school, the Annual Review looks at your child’s education, health, and care needs as a whole, not just what happens in school.
Before the meeting:
- Read Section A of the EHCP carefully – this is about you and your child. Check that details are correct.
- Read the other sections and consider whether anything has changed or needs updating.
- Read the reports sent by the school and make notes of anything you do not understand or want to discuss.
- Ask for information to be adapted if needed (for example, translated, provided in Braille, or read aloud).
- Make notes about your child’s progress at home, including strengths, interests, and any concerns.
If you have significant concerns, it can be helpful to raise these with the school or service before the meeting where possible. Concerns that are not related to the EHCP itself may be better discussed in a separate meeting.
6. During the meeting
- Everyone will have a chance to share their views.
- When it is your turn, take the opportunity to speak – you know your child in ways others may not.
- Your child’s progress towards their EHCP outcomes will be discussed.
- At the end of the meeting, next steps and any proposed changes to the EHCP should be clearly agreed.
You can:
- Ask questions if you do not understand something.
- Ask for clarification or explanations in plain language.
- Take notes, or bring someone to help you do this.
Questions you might want to ask
The aim of the Annual Review is to look back over the last 12 months and plan ahead for the next 12 months. You may want to ask:
- What new targets will be set, and why?
- How will these targets be planned for and supported in school?
- How can I support progress at home?
- What support will each professional provide?
- What will progress look like, and how will it be measured?
There are no wrong questions – if something matters to you or your child, it is worth raising.
7. After the meeting
Draft paperwork is sent to the Local Authority and to you.
The Local Authority will then send either:
- A final amended EHCP, or
- A letter saying no changes are needed.
When you receive final paperwork:
- Check it carefully.
- If it does not reflect what was agreed, you do not have to accept it.
- Send it back to the Local Authority explaining your concerns and suggesting amendments.
If you disagree with the Local Authority’s decision, you can get free and independent advice from SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service). Local contact details can be found by searching online for your Local Authority and SENDIAS.
8. Extra tips
Some reviews take place earlier than usual because of transitions, such as moving to secondary school or preparing for further education, employment, or training.
If the review includes discussion about a change of school or provider, you can ask for someone from the new setting to attend.
Ask for practical strategies you can use at home, and share ideas about what works well for your child outside of school.
Annual Reviews are designed to support your child and your family. You are a key part of the process, and your contribution is important.
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