Enter the date you submitted your EHC needs assessment request and see exactly where you should be in the 20-week statutory process — plus what to chase if Kent County Council is running late.
The 20-week timeframe is statutory — that means KCC is legally required to meet it except in narrow, evidenced circumstances. Here's what to do at each stage of delay.
Email the SEND case officer asking for the decision in writing the same day. Reference Regulation 5 of the SEND Regulations 2014. If no reply within 5 working days, escalate to the SEND Manager. KCC's silence does not mean refusal — keep pushing.
Write to KCC referencing the 16-week milestone in the SEND Code of Practice (paragraph 9.44). Ask for a written explanation and a firm date. CC your local SENDIASS and ask whether they can intervene. Start a stage 1 complaint if there's no movement within 10 working days.
This is the most serious breach. Submit a formal complaint immediately. Once the council's complaint process is exhausted (or after 12 weeks), you can escalate to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Keep every email. Disability Law Service offers free legal advice for this stage.
Yes, but they are narrow. The Local Authority can extend timelines only where exceptional personal circumstances apply, school holidays of 4+ weeks prevent evidence gathering, or certain other Regulation 13 exceptions. KCC must notify you in writing if they intend to rely on an exception.
No. If you appeal a refusal to assess or a refusal to issue a plan to the SEND Tribunal, the statutory clock pauses while the appeal is considered. If you win, KCC must then complete the next stage within 5 weeks of the Tribunal order.