Autism is the highest SEND need in Greenwich, with EHCPs increasing significantly

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent primary need among children and young people requiring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Greenwich, according to a report presented to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel.

The report, detailing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, revealed that 49% of EHCPs in Greenwich identify ASD as the primary need, a figure significantly higher than both London (40%) and England (33%) averages.

Overall, 23% of Greenwich's school population, equating to 10,155 pupils, have identified SEND needs. Of these, 5.2% (2,228 pupils) have an EHCP, while 17.7% (7,867 pupils) receive SEND support.

The number of EHCPs in Greenwich has seen a substantial 75% increase over the past five years, reaching 3,244 by January 2025. This growth rate is higher than the London average of 49% and the England average of 37% over the same period, although recent growth has aligned more closely with national averages.