EHC Plans and the current waiting times - Find a freedom of information request

1. I would be grateful for local data regarding how many people are currently being considered by Lincolnshire County Council for an EHC Plan and the current waiting times and information on diagnoses and the EHC needs assessments being undertaken.

2. I would be grateful for more information on what support there is to those currently waiting for a diagnosis and EHC Plan, and whether there is currently any flexibility built in to provide support and funding for schools for those pupils without a diagnosis or who are waiting for the outcome of their assessments.

In accordance with Section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you are advised that Lincolnshire County Council (the Council) does hold information that falls within the description specified in your request.

There are currently 508 Children and Young people being considered for an EHC Plan.

This includes those at request, request evaluation, assessment, and draft plan stage.

The average amount of time taken from request date to plan date for all final plans issued in 2023 between 01/01/2023 – 30/06/2023 was 17.15 weeks.

Until a Child or Young person has an EHC Plan, they can access SEND support. Information about the type of support available can be found here https://www.gov.uk/children-withspecial-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support And at https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/send-local-offer

However, the Council is unable to provide you with information in relation to any diagnosis and also the specific EHC needs assessments being undertaken because under Section 12(1) of the Freedom of Information 2000 the Council is not obliged to comply with a request for information if it estimates that the cost of complying with the request would exceed the appropriate limit. The appropriate limit is currently £450 or 18 hours at a cost of £25 per hour.