At the start of 2023, we conducted a research project to look at the effectiveness of EHC plans and to understand what the barriers are in getting and following through an EHCP, in addition to highlighting areas of process that are working well. Additional areas explored include the EHCP process, family involvement, quality of EHCP, annual reviews, quality of education, support with transition into work-like activities and quality of support received from health, social care, parental wellbeing and other support services.

We make a number of recommendations to the Barking and Dagenham SEND Board including:

• Ensuring that each parent or carer is well-informed about the process for evaluating, planning, developing, and concluding the EHCP plan
• Ensuring that EHCP reflect what was discussed and agreed in an annual review and an updated EHCP plan is shared with all parties including parents in a timely manner
• Making sure that children and young people receive therapies (such as occupational therapy and speech therapy) if they are indicated in the EHCP, and that it has been made clear to the parents and carers how often sessions/support will take place