EHCP Annual Review Prep Pack

The annual review isn't just a school meeting. It's a legal process, and it's your chance to update your child's EHCP as their needs change. But it's easy to walk in underprepared, agree to things in the room, and leave without a clear record.

This pack breaks it into five stages so you know exactly what to do and when. Before the meeting, you read the plan properly and work out what to challenge. You prepare your contribution and an agenda. On the day, you take structured notes. Within 48 hours, you follow up in writing.

The tools that do the heavy lifting are the ones most parents don't have. A weasel word detector that lists the vague Section F phrases like "as appropriate" and "access to support", with the specific, enforceable wording to request instead. A needs-to-provision grid that matches every need in Section B to a provision in Section F, so any gap is visible. And a

Section F strength check you run before accepting any changes to the plan.

It's grounded in the law. The provision standard comes from L v Clarke and Somerset CC, the 4-week response deadline from Regulation 20, and the enforceability of Section F from section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Worked examples show you weak versus strong wording throughout. It points you to free support from IPSEA, SOS!SEN and SENDIASS. Last reviewed April 2026.

You don't have to do it all at once. Work through the tools in order. Each one builds on the last.

This pack is for parents whose child already has an EHCP. If you're earlier in the process, the EHCP First Steps Kit and the Parental Contribution Kit cover the request and assessment stages.

What's included

An 18-page printable PDF: 9 tools plus worked examples.

Before the meeting

• Tool 1 — Section-by-section review checklist. A systematic check of every EHCP section, A to K, to flag what's missing, vague or not delivered
• Tool 2 — Weasel word detector. Every vague Section F phrase, with the enforceable language to request instead
• Tool 3 — Needs-to-provision matching grid. Match each Section B need to a Section F provision so every gap is visible
• Tool 4 — Writing to the LA with your concerns. A letter template that references specific sections and wording, for use before or after the review
• Tool 5 — Is Section F strong enough? Five questions to run on every provision before you accept any changes

Around and after the meeting

• Tool 6 — Annual review preparation checklist. A two-week countdown of what to request, gather and read
• Tool 7 — Annual review parental contribution. A guided template covering progress, EHCP delivery, your priorities and your child's views, with worked examples
• Tool 8 — Meeting agenda and notes. A pre-formatted agenda to share with the SENCO, and a notes page to record actions, owners and deadlines
• Tool 9 — Post-review follow-up letter. A template to send within 48 hours, confirming what was agreed and starting the local authority's response clock on record

Also inside: worked examples of weak versus strong Section F and Section E wording, an annual review roadmap, a quick-reference guide and a final checklist.

Who it's for

• Parents in England whose child has an EHCP and an annual review coming up
• Parents who want to check the plan is specific, enforceable and being delivered
• Parents who want to contribute in writing and be properly prepared on the day
• Parents of children in Year 9 and above who need transition planning on the agenda
• Anyone who's left a review before unsure what was actually agreed

If your child doesn't have an EHCP yet, the EHCP First Steps Kit and Parental Contribution Kit cover the earlier stages.

Why parents use it

• A clear five-stage process, from reading the plan to following up
• The weasel word detector and Section F check, which most parents don't have
• A needs-to-provision grid that makes gaps obvious
• Worked examples of weak versus strong wording throughout
• Grounded in the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Regulations
• Points you to free support: IPSEA, SOS!SEN, SENDIASS
• Printable and reusable, yours to keep

Important

This pack is for guidance and preparation only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee any particular decision by your local authority. It applies to England only and reflects the law current as of April 2026. For advice specific to your child's situation, contact IPSEA or SOS!SEN. Both are free.

Instant digital download. No physical product will be shipped.

FAQ

Is this for a first EHCP or a review? A review. It's for parents whose child already has an EHCP and an annual review coming up. For the earlier stages, see the EHCP First Steps Kit and the Parental Contribution Kit.

What's the weasel word detector? A list of the vague phrases that often appear in Section F, like "as appropriate" or "access to support", with the specific, enforceable wording to request instead. Vague provision is much harder to hold the local authority to.

Is this legal advice? No. It's a preparation tool, based on the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Regulations and the SEND Code of Practice. For advice specific to your child, it points you to IPSEA and SOS!SEN.

My child is in Year 9 or above. Does it cover transition? Yes. The preparation checklist and agenda prompt you to get transition planning on the agenda, including post-16 provision and placement.

What format is it and can I print it? An 18-page printable PDF. Print the whole pack or just the pages you need, on a phone, tablet or computer.

Refund note

Because this is an instant download, it can't be returned once accessed.