Just 7.4 per cent of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were issued within the 20-week statutory deadline in Leeds, as demand for SEND support rises
Just 7.4 per cent of Education, Health and Care Plans were issued within the 20-week statutory deadline in Leeds , as demand for SEND support risesFamilies have been left exasperated after only 7.4 per cent of Education, Health and Care Plans were completed within a 20-week deadline.
The plans are created to ensure pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they require.area. Helen Hayden, Labour's executive member for children and families, said: "We are seeing good progress in a number of key areas. A scrutiny meeting heard that 7,847 children and young people had an EHCP at the end of March, representing a 24.1 per cent rise on the previous year.
Some 476 EHCPs were finalised in the first three months of this year, 169 more than the corresponding period in 2025. However, only 7.4 per cent of EHCPs issued between January and March were delivered within the 20-week statutory timeframe. Labour councillor Andrew Scopes, who represents Beeston and Holbeck, said: "The 7.4 per cent is a real problem. Coun Scopes said families were distressed by the delays following earlier assurances that the system would be enhanced.
He said: "Is the plan to get on top of this credible?
"Coun Hayden confirmed the council was collaborating with schools to assist children awaiting EHCPs. She told the meeting: "It's a deep frustration and not acceptable.
" Coun Hayden explained the council initially attempted to address the backlog by prioritising those who had been waiting longest. However, two distinct teams were now managing the backlog of existing cases alongside new referrals for care plans. A report presented to the meeting indicated the council was anticipating the findings of an Ofsted and CQC inspection of SEND provision.
It said: "Priorities continue to focus on the timeliness and quality of EHCP statutory assessments, plans and reviews and neurodiversity assessments and support. "
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