Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
Councils are addressing rising Education, Health and Care Plan requests and implementing national reforms to manage SEND support and deficits.
Lewisham Council is awaiting a decision from the Secretary of State, anticipated in September 2026, on its Local SEND Reform Plan, submitted in June 2026. Approval of this plan could lead to up to 90% of the council's £24.4 million High Needs Block deficit being written off. Meanwhile, Greenwich's Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel noted a 16% surge in requests for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in the past year, with 3,349 plans now in place. Wandsworth Schools Forum discussed its SEND Sufficiency Plan in July 2026.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are legal documents outlining support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The increase in demand for these plans, averaging 200 requests per quarter in Greenwich, continues to impact local services. Councils are working to implement national reforms to enhance support and manage financial pressures associated with these provisions.
Key facts
- Lewisham's Local SEND Reform Plan was submitted on June 19, 2026. Source
- A decision on Lewisham's plan from the Secretary of State was anticipated in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham's High Needs Block deficit stood at £24.4 million as of March 2026. Source
- Greenwich saw a 16% surge in EHCP requests in the past year. Source
- The number of EHCP plans in Greenwich has risen to 3,349. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.