Draft EHCP Co-Production Meetings

If you have a draft EHCP following an EHC Needs Assessment, you have 15 calendar days to respond to this draft EHCP, to request changes. For more information about how to make a robust response to a draft EHCP see this blog here.

Under SEND Regulations 13, the LA must agree to meet with you to discuss the draft plan if you request this. This meeting is called a co-production meeting and we strongly advise that you request one when you return your response to the draft EHCP to the LA. Many families find these meetings helpful because they provide an opportunity to discuss proposed amendments, refer to professional evidence and seek clarification regarding any areas of disagreement.

These meetings are often held online, although arrangements vary between Local Authorities, and will include the caseworker, occasionally the EP, yourself and a representative or friend if you choose to have someone there to accompany you. When we attend co-production meetings to support parents with draft EHCPs we have checked, we find that the most successful strategy is for the LA to share your draft EHCP response on the screen and to work through all of the requested changes in turn. Where amendments are disputed, parents should refer to professional evidence, relevant legislation and case law to support their position. Always use your professional evidence to justify changes.  And call out woolly wording. 

Under SEND Regulation 13, the Local Authority must arrange a meeting to discuss the draft EHCP if a parent requests one.

We support many families each week through the draft check and co-production process, avoiding the need to appeal because amendments are made, and the parents' choice of school agreed. If you would like support to check a draft EHCP and attend a co-production meeting, find out how Empowering Families of Children with SEND can help you here. 

If you have any questions, come and find us on our Facebook Group, we are always available to provide professional support there. 

Our YouTube channel has over 125 support videos. 

For more information about how Empowering Families can help you, email EHCPchecks@empoweringSENDfamilies.co.uk  

1 to 1 meetings are available to book here. 

We are, and always will be, Stronger Together. 

You can find testimonials to our bespoke services on our website and Facebook Business page here.