Do I need to challenge this - EHCNA timings?

[stopthepigeon]

I found out from a professional that if a draft plan is going to be issued, I should receive it in a couple of weeks time. Add on 15 calendar days to comment and we would already be at week 24+.

I could send the IPSEA model letter. I am just wondering about the benefits and any disbenefits of doing that? Any thoughts?

Yes, I would enforce the timescales. By not complying with them the LA are frustrating your right of appeal. With the long waiting times for a hearing if you need to appeal you need to be appealing as soon as you can. You also need to show the LA you know the law and will advocate for your DC. If you allow them to get away with not complying with the law they will continue to break it.

Thanks @FloatingBean. Never sure whether or not to expend capital on complaints and whether there is any downside in terms of subsequent treatment? Obviously usual instincts would be to aim to build relationship of trust with teams/services supporting DC. However state of play in terms of non-compliance by LA complicates this.

In my experience there isn’t any downsides other than the cost of a pre-action letter (SOSSEN are reasonably priced) but sometimes that isn’t necessary as sometimes an email to the Director of Children’s Services threatening JR works. Many LAs only start to take parents seriously once they see they know the law and will enforce it.