The number of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans in Kingston has risen by 7% in the last 12 months, reaching a total of 2,215 plans. This increase contrasts with neighbouring Richmond, which has seen a 7% decrease in requests for EHC needs assessments over the same period.
The figures were discussed at a Kingston upon Thames Schools Forum meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026. Charis Penfold, who provided an update, explained that the difference between Kingston and Richmond is likely due to varying demographics and the prevalence of need in each borough, rather than differences in the application of assessment processes.
The threshold is the same. So the document we use to make the decision about whether to assess or not is consistent and has been for many years, and we are confident in that process,
Penfold stated. So it will be linked to a higher prevalence of need in Kingston than there is in Richmond.
Penfold further elaborated that the demographic of the two boroughs is very different, and although we work across both, I think there is a difference in exactly that, the demographic, some of the disadvantage, the increasing needs.
This suggests that specific demographic factors, including disadvantage and increasing needs, may be contributing to Kingston's higher prevalence of need for EHC plans.
A key initiative within the SEND Futures Plan, aimed at addressing these needs, is the Specialist Expertise at Hand
model. This model seeks to provide early intervention, advice, and support to schools, providers, and early years settings without the need for a formal EHC needs assessment
. It is a priority for the current year and will be delivered through a cluster model.
The funding for this initiative is described as an indicative budget
of just over a million pounds into each of the two boroughs we work with in year one
.
More details on the discussions can be found in the Public reports pack from the meeting.