EHCPs: Cutting Through the Noise for Telford & Wrekin Parents
If you’re a parent in Telford & Wrekin, you’ve probably heard a lot about EHCP's (Educational Health Care Plans) lately—mostly that they’re too slow, too costly, and somehow they are “The problem.”
The Ombudsman’s published decisions about councils, including cases involving Telford & Wrekin, show a different story: delays, unlawful gatekeeping, missed reviews, and undelivered support.
That’s system failure, not a flaw in the EHCP itself.
10 common claims against EHCP's —and what the facts really are!
1. “The system is too bureaucratic”
Most red tape comes from council delays, extra hurdles, and poor decisions that trigger appeals. When LAs (Local Authorities - like Telford and Wrekin) assess on time, work with families, and commission enough services, the burden drops.
2. “EHCPs are too complex”
An EHCP simply sets out needs, specific provision (what/by whom/how much), and outcomes. It feels complex when schools/LAs don’t follow the law or add hoops.
Its a legal force is the point.
3. “EHCPs cost too much”
Rising spend reflects unmet need and a shortage of local provision.
Under‑planning forces expensive out‑of‑area placements.
The cost is the support that should exist locally.
4. “They’re hard to navigate”
Families get lost when LAs use inconsistent templates, delay, or invent policies.
A clear national template/portal and real support would simplify everything without weakening rights.
5. “Too many children have EHCPs”
Parents don’t grant themselves plans. LA's decide after assessment; Tribunals check decisions.
Evidence points more to under‑identification and families giving up than to excess.
6. “Support will bankrupt councils”
Need doesn’t disappear because budgets are tight.
The fix is smarter planning and commissioning across education, health, and social care—not cutting children's legal rights!
7. “There’s overdiagnosis”
There is no solid evidence of mass overdiagnosis.
Long waits reflect service cuts, past under‑diagnosis, and better awareness.
You don’t need a medical diagnosis to get an EHCP.
8. “Plans are out of date”
The law requires at least annual reviews, and earlier if needs change.
If a plan’s outdated, that’s a failure to review/amend—the oruginal provision still stands until lawfully changed.
9. “Parents just chase independents”
Families seek what meets their childs needs. If a suitable state option exists, it should be named; if not, a tribunal often orders an independent place because the council didn’t commission enough locally.
10. “EHCPs are worthless if not delivered”
Non‑delivery is unlawful—we need to fix compliance and accountability.
Ombudsman decisions about councils, including Telford & Wrekin, often cite late assessments, missed 20‑week deadlines, weak reviews, and failure to deliver therapies.
These are fixable practice issues, not reasons to weaken EHCPs.
What you can do
Know the basics:
Decision to assess within 6 weeks;
Whole process within 20 weeks;
Section F must be specific and quantified.
Keep records and chase calmly, in writing.
Ask for an early review if needs change.
If provision isn’t delivered, escalate to the council’s SEND lead and the ICB for health provision (Integrated Care Board - replacement for Clinical Commissioning Group);
Use complaint routes and, if needed, the Ombudsman.
Push your councillors/MP for better local commissioning and a standard, family‑friendly EHCP template.
The Bottom line
EHCPs bring clarity and legal certainty. The real task—especially in Telford & Wrekin—is timely decisions, honest coproduction, and enough local services so children get the support they’re entitled to, without a fight.
Our Future
There is real cause for optimism.
When families, schools, health services, and local authorities work together with clarity and resolve, the EHCP process can be timely, transparent, and genuinely locally grounded.
Residents of Telford & Wrekin deserves better—and with sustained effort, that better future is within reach.
The Green Party Telford & Wrekin will stand by parents, children and young adults, and will actively advocate to protect and expand the support they’re entitled to.
We will tackle the Labour government and the council to help prevent negative changes that are making their way down the pipeline, and to defend the rights of every child to the services they need.
By prioritising rights, accountability, and practical, locally delivered support, we can reduce delays, improve outcomes, and ensure EHCPs fulfill their promise of real, local help for every family.
Together, we can turn hope into action and create a future where every child in Telford & Wrekin has the chance to thrive.
If anything we have covered today has effected you, please do not hesitate to reach out for help and advice. If I can't personally help you, I'll help by guiding you to the right source of help for your situation.
Email me here: Mark
Mark Webster
Disability Officer
The Green Party
Telford and Wrekin
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