Draft EHCP issued

[Stoicbutsad]

Looking for some advice!!!!What happens if you go over the 15days in which to comment?draft plan was issued on 3rd August. My LA is pressurising me to finalise the plan despite me telling her I'm seeking independent advice to help go through the report. I've got until next Friday to comment (within the 15days window) I've been dithering basically (I'm kicking myself for being so slow), as most places have paused for summer (couldn't get through to the Sossen emergency line). I'm about to
Submit my stuff to educational equality but I doubt they can go through the draft by Friday...

I think that if you don't reply in time they will simply progress so that they can issue within the legal timescale.

If the plan is broadly OK It's probably best to get some comments in even if incomplete and get the plan finalised. You then have time to decide to appeal after 2-3 months depending on how you time your mediation. If it all goes wrong you could maybe call an emergency 6 month review. After that you also have right to appeal.

Good luck

Check it against the requirements set out in paragraph 9.69 of the Code of Practice. In particular check that every need is identified and that there is detailed and specific provision to meet each and every need. Every time you see vague words like "would benefit from" or "up to" or "regular" of "access to", change it to things like "will receive" and precise statement of how much support your child will receive, from whom, for how long, how often etc. Bear in mind that they won't make substantive changes unless there are professional reports that support them, so if the reports themselves are too vague, ask them to go back to the professionals and ask them to do their job by advising properly.

Thank you both!What happens if I say I'm not ready to finalise by the 20 week deadline? Will they just do it anyway?

They might - it's difficult to predict.