Check deadlines

EHCPs in West Sussex: deadlines, contacts and local help

Everything you need to ask for, check or challenge an EHCP with West Sussex County Council, in one place.

15.5%

of new EHCPs here were issued on time in 2025. England: 46.1%.

On this page

In short

  • In 2025, 15.5% of new EHCPs in West Sussex were issued within the legal 20 weeks (about 2 in 10). The England average was 46.1%.
  • The law and the deadlines are the same in every council in England.
  • Free, independent help is available from West Sussex SENDIAS Service.

How West Sussex is doing on the 20-week deadline

15.5%

of new plans issued within 20 weeks in 2025, up from 11.4% in 2024.

46.1%

England average in 2025.

1,653

new EHC plans issued by West Sussex in 2025.

9.3% of new plans took more than a year.

Source: Department for Education, Education, health and care plans, published June 2026. Figures exclude the few cases where the law allows a delay. See how every council in England compares.

This means a late plan is common in West Sussex. It is still against the law, and you can do something about it. Read what to do if the council misses an EHCP deadline.

Who to contact in West Sussex

The council

Ask for an assessment

West Sussex County Council decides on EHC needs assessments and writes the plan. Requests go by email to EHCNARequest@westsussex.gov.uk.

How to ask the council

Free and independent

West Sussex SENDIAS Service

Free, confidential advice about SEND and EHCPs, separate from the council. Phone 033 022 28555.

Visit their website

Other parents

West Sussex Parent Carer Forum

Local parents of children with SEND, working with the council to improve services.

Visit their website

Local services

West Sussex Local Offer

The council’s directory of SEND services, schools and support in your area.

Open the Local Offer

Good to know. West Sussex’s EHC assessment team is called SENAT, the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team. You ask for an assessment by email, with your child’s details, your reasons and any evidence.

Getting an EHCP in West Sussex: step by step

  1. Ask West Sussex County Council for an EHC needs assessment in writing. Use our free request letter. Read how to apply for an EHCP.
  2. Put the date the council received it into our deadline checker. The council must reply within 6 weeks.
  3. If the council agrees, it gathers advice from professionals. The final plan is due within 20 weeks of your request.
  4. Check the draft plan carefully. You have 15 days to comment. Use our draft plan checklist.
  5. If a deadline is missed, chase the council. If that doesn’t work, make a formal complaint, then go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Questions parents ask

Does West Sussex have its own rules for EHCPs?

No. Every council in England follows the same law: the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Regulations 2014. West Sussex County Council may publish its own guidance, but it can’t add extra tests, such as needing a diagnosis. Read the EHCP criteria.

What if West Sussex says no?

You can appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Contact a mediation adviser first. The time limit is 2 months from the decision letter, or 1 month after your mediation certificate, whichever is later. Read how to appeal.

Can I name a school outside the council area?

Yes. You can ask for a school in another council area. The same legal tests apply. Read naming a school in an EHCP.

Nearby councils

The council responsible for your child’s EHCP is usually the one where your child lives, even if they go to school somewhere else. Nearby councils we cover: East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Surrey and Hampshire. You can also see every council we cover.

Sources

Contacts last checked: 18 October 2026. If something has changed, please tell us.