Wave 16 results – National EHCP statistics and trends

The Department for Education has recently started collecting data to provide an up-to-date picture about local authority SEND delivery which will be used to identify any emerging trends and inform key initiatives.

The first set of data covers Q1 (Jan-March 2022) and is based on responses from 117 local authorities:

Wave 16 LA SEND Service Data Collection – Key Findings

• The total number of new requests for EHC needs assessments in Q1 2022 was 22,983  (Total new requests in Rutland was 21)

• The total number of final EHC plans including exception cases issued was 11,541 in Q1 2022   (Total final EHC plans issued in Rutland was 7 with zero exception cases)

• Of the 10,783 final EHC plans excluding exception cases issued in Q1 2022, 5,765 (53%) were issued within 20 weeks of the initial request   (7 plans were issued with 100% compliance within the 20 week deadline in Rutland).

There was also rich qualitative data returned from the 117 local authorities, with key themes including:

• Many LAs reported further rises in requests for EHC needs assessments, often reflecting the impact of Covid-19 on social, emotional and mental health needs as well as development in early years

• A number of LAs reported a lack of capacity amongst EP services, health professionals and SEND teams, leading to challenges in relation to assessment duties

• A few LAs have reported increased requests for special school placements which is placing pressure on local capacity