(UK) Devon: 117 more SPED plans issued in 2024 than in 2023

June 30, 2025, Mid-Devon Advertiser: More special educational needs assessment requests made in Devon – as charity warns of "disastrous" waits across England  

https://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/news/more-special-educational-needs-assessment-requests-made-in-devon-as-charity-warns-of-disastrous-waits-across-england-807934 

More requests for special educational needs assessments were made for children in Devon last year, new figures show

More requests for special educational needs assessments were made for children in Devon last year, new figures show.

An education, health and care plan is a legal document identifying the needs of a child or young person, and setting out the additional support required to meet those special educational needs.

To receive an EHC, a request must be made to the relevant local authority to carry out an assessment.

A charity said EHC plans are crucial for many children to access education, but warned of the impact of "disastrous" waits for an assessment.

Department for Education figures show 2,265 requests for an EHC needs assessment were made in Devon in 2024 – up from 2,148 the previous year. . . .

Across England, 154,500 requests for an EHC assessment were received in 2024 – up 12% on the year before.

The number of new EHC plans issued has increased each year since their introduction in 2014, with 97,700 plans issued last year.

Just 46% of new plans were issued within the statutory 20 weeks last year – down from 50% the year before.

Another 46% waited between 20 and 52 weeks, and 7% waited over a year. . . .

The figures show autistic spectrum disorder was the most common primary type of need among those issued a new EHC plan across England, accounting for 28% of plans.

In Devon however, social, emotional and mental health was the most prominent primary type of need, accounting for 32% of new plans. . . .

She warned the increasing need for support and "historically insufficient funding" are leading to delays.

"We urge the Government to set out a comprehensive SEND reform plan that ensures children and their families get the support they need and deserve," she said. . . .