What Is an Annual Review and Why Is It Important?

Published by Reconnect Learning

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may hear professionals refer to an Annual Review. For many parents, the process can feel confusing or overwhelming, particularly if it is their first review meeting.

Understanding how Annual Reviews work can help families feel more confident and ensure that children continue receiving the support they need.

What Is an Annual Review?

An Annual Review is a formal meeting held to review a child or young person's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The purpose of the review is to consider whether the EHCP remains accurate, whether the support being provided is working and whether any changes are required.

Annual Reviews help ensure that support continues to meet the changing needs of the child or young person.

How Often Are Annual Reviews Held?

By law, an EHCP must be reviewed at least once every 12 months.

For children under five years old, reviews may take place more frequently due to rapid developmental changes.

Who Attends an Annual Review?

The people attending an Annual Review may vary depending on the child's needs, but commonly include:

• Parents or carers
• The child or young person where appropriate
• School staff
• SENCO
• Local Authority representatives
• Educational psychologists
• Health professionals
• Therapists
• Other professionals involved in supporting the child

What Happens During an Annual Review?

The review focuses on how well the current EHCP is working and whether changes are needed.

Discussion may include:

• Progress towards EHCP outcomes
• Academic achievement
• Attendance and engagement
• Emotional wellbeing
• Social development
• Current provision and support
• Any new needs that have emerged
• Future aspirations and goals

What Evidence Is Considered?

Annual Reviews should be informed by a range of evidence.

This may include:

• School reports
• Attendance information
• Assessment data
• Professional reports
• Parent views
• Young person's views
• Therapy reports
• Progress updates

Can Changes Be Made to an EHCP?

Yes.

An Annual Review may identify that changes are needed to ensure the EHCP continues to meet the child's needs.

Changes might include:

• Updated outcomes
• Additional support
• Changes to provision
• Amendments to needs identified within the EHCP
• Changes to educational placement where appropriate

What Happens After the Review?

Following the meeting, recommendations are submitted to the Local Authority.

The Local Authority must then decide whether to:

• Maintain the EHCP as it is
• Amend the EHCP
• Cease the EHCP in certain circumstances

Parents should be informed of the decision and have rights to challenge decisions where appropriate.

Why Are Annual Reviews Important?

Children's needs change over time.

An Annual Review provides an opportunity to ensure support remains effective, relevant and focused on helping the child achieve positive outcomes.

Without regular review, there is a risk that support may no longer fully reflect the child's needs.

Preparing for an Annual Review

Parents can prepare by:

• Reviewing the current EHCP
• Making notes about what is working well
• Identifying any concerns
• Gathering evidence where appropriate
• Considering future goals and aspirations
• Ensuring their child's views are represented

How Reconnect Learning Supports EHCP Learners

Reconnect Learning works with children and young people who have EHCPs, SEND needs, EBSNA and barriers to mainstream education.

Our support includes:

• SEND Support
• EHCP-Focused Provision
• Alternative Provision
• Home Tuition
• Online Learning
• EBSNA Support
• Attendance Support
• Mentoring
• Reintegration Support
• Functional Skills and GCSE Support

Need Support?

If your child has an EHCP and you would like advice about educational support, Reconnect Learning would be happy to help.

Call: 01708 918728
Email: info@reconnectlearning.co.uk

Together, we can help ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.