EHCP and annual review

[iwishiwasrichandthin]

Hi all I am new to this home ed and have deregistered my son from mainstream school. I have just spoken to the LEA who are insisting that as my son has a EHCP they have a duty to carry out annual reviews? I was under the impression they had no 'hold' over us?

Can anyone advise?

[Saracen]

I was waiting for someone more knowledgeable to come along, but I don't want to leave your post unanswered for long!

My understanding from hanging around on HE forums is that the LA is obliged to maintain the EHCP, whether the parents want it or not, unless it is quite clear that the EHCP is no longer needed. They have to conduct annual reviews.

This doesn't mean they have any "hold" over you. The EHCP is somewhat inconsequential for children who are HE, except in those cases where the LA has actually agreed to provide something - which I guess is rare. It doesn't specify what provision YOU have to make while home educating, only what the LA has to make if you've asked them to educate your child. I understand that maintaining it will make life easier if you ever do want to send your child to school or college.

Here's a website which should help: ehe-sen.org.uk/annreview.php I'm sure Fiona (whose website that is, and who posts on this board) will be able to help you out if you have questions. She's very well informed.

And here is a Facebook group which also has tremendously helpful and knowledgeable members: "Home Education and your Local Authority: Help with dealing with Officialdom". This is mainly for people who are getting hassle from their LA, but also handy for situations such as yours.

Good luck, and I hope the home education goes well for you!

[FionaJNicholson]

Hi, I'm the person whose website is linked. It very much depends which LA you come under as to how they do the Annual Reviews. Unlike some home ed commentators, I think the EHCP is beneficial as insurance for the future and that you are unlikely to get a new one if the current one is ceased, so my advice is generally to keep it ticking over. Outcomes in Section E don't apply in the home, they are at the level of the institution, ditto provision in Section F. LA paperwork for home ed SEN is usually the same as for schools so is rubbish, all about levels etc inapplicable in the home setting.