How Often Should Therapy and Support Be Reviewed in an EHCP? Guidance for Parents

Parents often ask how frequently therapy or support written into an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) should be reassessed, particularly where a child is receiving ongoing provision such as Speech and Language Therapy.

In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, answers this question and explains what parents should expect in practice.

@watkinssolicitors.sen Parents often ask how frequently therapy or support written into an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) should be reassessed, particularly where a child is receiving ongoing provision such as Speech and Language Therapy. In our latest video, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, answers this question and explains what parents should expect in practice. Beverley explains that there is no single rule that applies to every child. How often therapy or support should be reviewed will depend on the individual needs of the child or young person and the type of provision they are receiving. Where a child is receiving ongoing therapy, such as Speech and Language Therapy, parents should usually expect an updated professional report to be provided as part of the Annual Review process. Beverley also explains that the age of professional reports matters. If expert reports are more than two years old, it may be appropriate for them to be updated, particularly if a child’s needs have changed or progress has stalled. However, this is not automatic. Whether reports need updating will always depend on the individual child or young person, their development, and whether the existing evidence still accurately reflects their needs. If therapy levels are not reviewed properly, there is a risk that EHCPs continue to rely on outdated information. This can lead to provision that no longer meets a child’s needs or fails to adapt as those needs change. Annual Reviews are a key opportunity for parents to raise concerns about whether therapy remains appropriate and whether updated professional input is needed. If you have concerns about therapy provision in your child’s EHCP, outdated reports, or whether support is being properly reviewed, our specialist Education Law team is here to help. You can contact us by emailing educationdept@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps. #EducationLaw #SEND #EHCP #AnnualReview #WatkinsSolicitors ♬ original sound - Watkins Solicitors - SEND

Therapy reviews depend on the child

Beverley explains that there is no single rule that applies to every child. How often therapy or support should be reviewed will depend on the individual needs of the child or young person and the type of provision they are receiving.

Where a child is receiving ongoing therapy, such as Speech and Language Therapy, parents should usually expect an updated professional report to be provided as part of the Annual Review process. This report should set out:

• What therapy or provision has been delivered over the previous 12 months
• How the child has responded to that support
• What provision or therapy is being recommended going forward

These reports are an important part of ensuring that Section F of the EHCP remains accurate and continues to reflect the child’s needs.

When reports may need updating

Beverley also explains that the age of professional reports matters. If expert reports are more than two years old, it may be appropriate for them to be updated, particularly if a child’s needs have changed or progress has stalled.

However, this is not automatic. Whether reports need updating will always depend on the individual child or young person, their development, and whether the existing evidence still accurately reflects their needs.

Why regular review matters

If therapy levels are not reviewed properly, there is a risk that EHCPs continue to rely on outdated information. This can lead to provision that no longer meets a child’s needs or fails to adapt as those needs change.

Annual Reviews are a key opportunity for parents to raise concerns about whether therapy remains appropriate and whether updated professional input is needed.

Support for parents navigating EHCP reviews

Our Education Law team regularly supports parents and carers with:

• Annual Reviews
• Therapy provision within Section F of EHCPs
• Requests for updated professional assessments
• Challenges where provision is no longer meeting a child’s needs
• EHCP amendments and appeals

We focus on helping parents understand what should be happening, what evidence may be needed, and what steps can be taken if the process is not working as it should.

Watch the video and get support

The full video, featuring Beverley Watkins answering this parent question, is available on our Education Law TikTok channel.

If you have concerns about therapy provision in your child’s EHCP, outdated reports, or whether support is being properly reviewed, our specialist Education Law team is here to help.

You can contact us by emailing educationdept@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps.