Starting secondary school with autism: a guide for parents (2026)
The transition from primary to secondary school is one of the most significant challenges many autistic children face. A new building, multiple teachers, a complex
Every child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is entitled to an annual review. For many families, this review — which often takes place in the spring or early summer — is the most important meeting of the school year. Done well, it secures the right support for the year ahead. Done poorly, it leaves needs unmet and parents frustrated.
This guide explains what the annual review process should look like, what your rights are, and how to prepare so that the meeting works in your child’s favour.
The annual review is a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014. Every child or young person with an EHCP must have their plan reviewed at least once every 12 months. The purpose is to assess whether the plan still accurately reflects the child’s needs, whether the support in place is working, and whether any changes are needed.
The review must involve: the child (in an age-appropriate way), the parents or carers, the school, and any other professionals involved in the child’s care.
| Milestone | Deadline | Notes |
| School sends review invitation | At least 2 weeks before the meeting | Must be sent to parents and all relevant professionals |
| School sends reports/evidence | At least 2 weeks before the meeting | Including their own review form and any professional reports |
| Annual review meeting | Within 12 months of last review | Or within 12 months of EHCP being issued |
| School sends review paperwork to LA | Within 2 weeks after the meeting | Including recommendations and any requests for amendment |
| LA decides whether to amend EHCP | Within 4 weeks of receiving school’s paperwork | Must notify parents of decision |
| LA issues amended EHCP (if changes needed) | Within 8 weeks of amendment decision | Parents have 15 days to comment on draft |
Keep a record of every date in this process. If the local authority misses its deadlines, you have the right to escalate — first through a complaint, and ultimately through the SEND Tribunal. IPSEA (ipsea.org.uk) can advise.
The annual review is your opportunity to ensure the EHCP accurately reflects your child’s current needs and that the right support is in place for the year ahead. Do not go in unprepared.
You are entitled to submit a written parental contribution ahead of the review. This is your chance to describe your child’s progress, highlight areas where needs are not being met, and make clear what you want from the amended plan. Write it carefully — it becomes part of the official record.
The school should share all reports and evidence at least two weeks before the meeting. Read them carefully before you attend. If you disagree with anything, note your disagreements in writing before the meeting.
Go into the meeting with clear outcomes in mind. Do you want additional support hours? A change of placement? Updated targets? A change to the provision described in Section F of the EHCP? Being clear about what you want makes it much easier to advocate for it.
You are entitled to bring a supporter to the annual review — a partner, a friend, or an independent supporter. Having someone with you means you have a second pair of ears and someone to help you stay focused if the meeting becomes difficult.
The annual review only applies to children who already have an EHCP. If your child does not have one, the end of the school year — or the return in September — is an excellent time to submit a request.
To request an EHCP needs assessment, write to your local authority’s SEND team. Include your child’s diagnostic report, any school reports, and a clear description of why current provision is not meeting your child’s needs. The local authority must respond within six weeks.
If your child does not yet have a diagnosis, a private assessment obtained now means you have the evidence in place before the new school year begins — the strongest position to be in when requesting an EHCP.
Need a diagnosis to support an EHCP application? Download our free guide to private autism assessment – costs, what to expect, and how to find a trusted assessor near you.
For additional support on EHCP reviews, school transitions, benefits, therapy options, and life after diagnosis, read your complete next steps guide.
Can I request an early EHCP review?
Yes. You can request a review at any time if there has been a significant change in your child’s needs or circumstances. Contact your EHCP coordinator at the local authority in writing, explaining why an early review is needed.
What happens at a Year 9 review?
The Year 9 review (when your child is in Year 9, typically age 13–14) is a particularly important review because it must consider transition planning — preparing for adulthood, including post-16 education, employment, and independent living. The EHCP must be updated to reflect these aspirations and the support needed to achieve them.
What if I disagree with the proposed amendments to the EHCP?
You have the right to make representations on a draft amended EHCP within 15 days of receiving it. If the local authority does not accept your representations and issues a final EHCP you disagree with, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal within two months of the final plan being issued.
Can the school reduce my child’s support at the annual review?
The local authority can propose to reduce support if they believe needs have decreased. However, they must provide clear evidence that the reduction is appropriate. If you disagree, you can challenge through the amendments process and ultimately the SEND Tribunal.
Written by AI Mum editorial team
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