(UK) Gloucs: 189 more special ed plans issued in 2024 than in 2023; national trend

June 30, 2025, Forester: More special educational needs assessment requests made in Gloucestershire – as charity warns of "disastrous" waits across England

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

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 1,625 requests for an EHC needs assessment were made in Gloucestershire in 2024 – up from 1,436 the previous year.

A total of 1,016 EHC needs assessments were carried out in the area last year, and the decision was to issue a plan in 96% of cases.

Of the new plans issued, 26% were issued within the statutory 20 weeks.

Meanwhile, 74% were issued between 20 and 52 weeks.

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.

Claire Coussins, director of fundraising and engagement at Kids, said: "There is no surprise in these figures given the realities we hear from families every day, and it is crucial to listen to the experience of those this affects most. . . .

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

Arooj Shah, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: "Preparing EHC plans is a complex and lengthy process, and one that local authorities take extremely seriously and seek to get right.

"While councils endeavour to make sure these are completed on time, this cannot be at the expense of working alongside families and teachers to make sure all children who need support have the most appropriate plans in place."

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. . . .