More children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent are receiving their Education, Health and Care Plans within the expected 20-week period, according to new figures released by the city council.

The proportion of plans completed within 20 weeks has risen to 62%, compared with 33% in 2025. The improvement was recorded while requests for Education, Health and Care needs assessments increased by 11%.

An Education, Health and Care Plan, usually known as an EHCP, sets out a child or young person’s education, health and social care needs and the provision required to support them. The statutory process should normally be completed within 20 weeks, although limited exceptional circumstances can extend that timetable.

More than 3,800 children supported

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Special Educational Needs Monitoring and Assessment Service currently supports more than 3,800 children and young people who have an EHCP.

The authority said its team has streamlined the assessment process and strengthened joint working between schools, health services and council staff. It also said more pupils are being supported in mainstream schools where that is appropriate for their needs.

The council’s SEND service was recognised at the West Midlands Association of Directors of Children’s Services Team Excellence Awards 2026. The awards event was held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Friday 18 September.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services, said the team had made real progress in reducing delays despite rising demand.

“Children and families deserve timely, high-quality support, and these figures show that the service is moving in the right direction,” Councillor Colclough said.

She added that the council would continue working with families, schools and partner organisations to improve the experience of children and young people with SEND.

What the 20-week process involves

Under the published Stoke-on-Trent EHCP timetable, the council must decide within six weeks whether to carry out an assessment. Advice is then gathered from the family, the child or young person’s education setting and relevant health and social care professionals.

If a plan is to be issued, a draft is normally prepared by week 16. Families have time to comment and request a particular school or setting before the final plan is completed.

Parents, carers and young people aged 16 or over can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. Guidance about applications, the assessment stages and local SEND services is available through the Stoke-on-Trent SEND Local Offer.

The performance figures and comments in this report were supplied by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.