How long do I have to respond to a draft EHCP?

Parents have 15 calendar days from the date the draft EHCP is issued to request amendments, submit written representations and request a placement.

Why is Section F so important?

Section F specifies the special educational provision required to meet a child’s needs. Under Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014, this provision must be secured by the local authority.

Can I request a specific school in the draft stage?

Yes. Parents have the legal right to request a particular school or type of placement during the draft EHCP stage.

What happens if the final EHCP is still incorrect?

If concerns remain in the final plan, parents may have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

Do I need a solicitor for SEND Tribunal?

Legal representation is not mandatory at SEND Tribunal. Many families attend without a solicitor, as the Tribunal is designed to be accessible to parents. What is important is structured SEND and EHCP experience aligned with statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014.

Can you attend the tribunal hearing with me?

We provide structured advocacy and preparation support. Attendance at the hearing depends on case complexity and availability. Our primary focus is ensuring you are fully prepared and confident in presenting your case.

What if I am appealing Sections B and F?

Appeals relating to Sections B and F focus on whether needs are accurately identified and whether provision is specific and enforceable. Under Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014, local authorities must secure the provision specified in Section F.

How long does tribunal preparation take?

Preparation timescales depend on hearing dates and tribunal directions. Early instruction allows for detailed evidence review and structured appeal preparation.

What if I am already mid-appeal?

We can step in at various stages of the appeal process to review documentation, identify evidential gaps and strengthen written submissions before hearing.

Received a draft EHCP?

You now have 15 calendar days to respond.

This is the point where vague wording, missing provision or weak outcomes can become legally binding - unless you challenge them.

Getting the draft right at this stage can prevent months of dispute later.

Organise a Draft Review Now

Understanding the Draft EHCP Stage

After an assessment, the local authority may issue a draft Education, Health and Care Plan.

What is a draft EHCP assessment?

This draft sets out:

Your child’s identified needs (Section B)
Proposed outcomes (Section E)
The special educational provision required (Section F)
Health and social care elements
The proposed placement

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, Section F must clearly specify the provision required to meet your child’s needs.

Vague wording at this stage becomes difficult to fix later.

Parents have 15 calendar days to:

Request amendments
Submit written representations
Request a particular school placement
Ask for a meeting

This window is short - and strategically important.

Why Draft Plans Often Fall Short

Common issues include:

Provision described as “access to” rather than quantified hours.

Therapies referenced but not specified.

Outcomes that are broad but not measurable.

Needs listed without corresponding provision.

Sections copied from school reports without clarification.

Lack of social care integration.

Once finalised, challenging these issues requires formal appeal.

What a Strong Draft Review Focuses On

Clear alignment between:

Need → Provision → Outcome.

Specific and quantified wording in Section F.

Measurable outcomes in Section E.

Accurate reflection of professional reports.

Removal of unlawful or ambiguous language.

Ensuring the named placement can realistically deliver provision.

Draft review is not about rewriting the entire plan - it is about strengthening it before it becomes legally binding.

How Little Nellies Supports You at This Stage

We provide structured, legally aligned draft review support.

This may include:

Line-by-line review of Sections A–K.

Identification of vague or unenforceable wording.

Cross-checking provision against professional evidence.

Drafting amendment request letters.

Supporting you in communicating with the local authority.

Advising on school naming strategy.

Our approach is calm and strategic.

The aim is not escalation - it is clarity and enforceability.

Support is fixed-fee and stage-specific.

We work with families across England.

What Happens Next?

If amendments are accepted, the authority will issue a final EHCP.

If significant issues remain in the final plan, you may need:

→ EHCP Appeal Support
→ SEND Tribunal Preparation Support

You can read the full process in our:

→ EHCP Guide

Mother and SEND son discuss EHCP Draft Review Support

Frequently Asked Questions

You have 15 calendar days from the date the draft is issued.
Yes. Parents have the right to request a particular school or type of placement.
If concerns remain in the final plan, you may have a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Some families respond independently. Professional support can help ensure wording is specific and legally enforceable.

You only get one opportunity to respond before the plan is finalised.

If you want your draft reviewed properly and aligned with statutory requirements, we can help.

Book Draft EHCP Review Support

Why Families Trust Little Nellies

Focused exclusively on SEND advocacy - structured, strategic and aligned with statutory law.

Facts & Figures

Specialist EHCP Focus

We work exclusively in EHCP and SEND advocacy. This isn’t a side service — it’s our core focus.

Legally Grounded Approach

Our work aligns with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. We structure cases around statutory duties, not opinion.

Stage-Specific, Fixed-Fee Support

Clear pricing. Clear scope. No open-ended billing.

Calm, Structured Advocacy

We reduce overwhelm by bringing clarity, evidence strategy and procedural confidence to every stage.