What an annual review is
When a child or young person has an education, health and care plan (EHCP) this must be reviewed every 12 months.
The annual review is a formal process that must follow certain legal requirements. It includes a meeting, but this is not the only part of the process.
Annual reviews must:
- happen at least every 12 months
- focus on progress towards achieving the outcomes specified in the EHCP
- consider whether these outcomes and supporting targets are still appropriate
Watch a video about what an annual review is on the Council for Disabled Children YouTube channel:
The role of parents, carers and young people
Parents, carers and the child or young person should be fully involved in the annual review process. The process should be person centred.
Some children and young people might want to attend the whole meeting. For others this might be overwhelming. They could attend part of the meeting, or they might want to write, draw or explain their needs to someone they trust before the meeting.
Find out what happens at the different steps in the annual review process.
You can find advice on how to prepare for an annual review meeting on the Contact website.
Improving the process
We’re aware that not all families in Essex have had a positive experience with annual reviews in the past. This is a priority area for improvement. There’s work happening to improve:
- how soon families are communicated with after an annual review
- the support given to children and young people to be part of the process
- the quality of amended Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
You can help to improve this process by leaving your feedback on the Essex Family Forum website.
New ways of working
To improve annual reviews, Essex County Council trialled a new approach. This took place in Spring 2024 and included new paperwork.
The new approach to annual reviews will continue. More schools will begin to follow the new approach from September 2024.
Schools and families who took part in the pilot felt it was a positive experience. They told us that the new paperwork worked well and encouraged good discussion. The changes allowed more time to be spent on the views and experiences of families.
Your school can show you the new paperwork and new ways of working at your child’s annual review.
Annual reviews for older children
When a child is in Year 9 or above, annual reviews must include preparing for adulthood. It's important to find out and record the views, wishes and feelings of the young person as part of this.
This should include:
- employment
- independent living and housing
- friends, relationships and community
- good health
Review meetings may include representatives from post 16 institutions such as colleges. This is so that they can get to know the young person and what works for them.
Early annual reviews
You can ask your child’s setting for an early annual review if you think that:
- your child’s education, health or social care needs have changed a lot
- the education, health or social care provision in the EHCP is no longer meeting their needs
- your child has been excluded or is at risk of exclusion
Speak to your school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to ask for an early annual review.