Deadlines

When the Local Authority misses a deadline

The deadlines are the law, not targets. Many Local Authorities miss them anyway. As soon as a deadline passes, complain to everyone, firmly and in writing.

The Local Authority's deadlines

  1. Day 1An assessment is requestedEvery deadline counts from this date, so keep a copy of the request.
  2. Week 6They tell you whether they will assess
  3. Week 16They tell you whether they will issue an EHCP
  4. Week 20They send you the final EHCP

The day a deadline passes

Email your SEN caseworker and their manager. Say which deadline has been missed, give the date of the request, and ask for a date by which they will put it right. Short and firm.

Make a formal complaint at the same time. Use the Local Authority's complaints procedure. Don't wait for a reply to your email first.

Copy in your local councillor and your MP. They can ask questions the Local Authority has to answer.