Schools May Be Closed This Summer… But Your EHCP Doesn't Stop
The school gates may have closed for the summer, but if you're waiting for an EHCP, preparing for a SEND Tribunal or trying to secure the right school placement for September, it's important to know that your child's legal rights don't stop when term ends.
Every summer I speak to parents who assume everything is "on hold" until September.
In reality, that's not always the case.
Local authorities don't close for the summer
Although schools break up for the holidays, local authority SEND teams continue to operate throughout the summer.
That means they can still:
Issue Draft EHCPs.
Issue Final EHCPs.
Respond to SEND Tribunal appeals.
Amend Working Documents.
Consult schools.
Name a school or placement.
Correspond with parents and representatives.
If you're waiting for an important decision, don't assume nothing will happen until September.
SEND Tribunals continue
Many parents are surprised to learn that SEND Tribunal work also continues during the summer.
While hearing availability may vary, appeals continue to progress behind the scenes.
Throughout the summer you may still receive:
Working Documents.
Tribunal directions.
Requests for evidence.
Local authority responses.
Updated case management orders.
Deadlines don't automatically stop simply because schools are closed.
The summer can be the most important time
For families waiting for a September school placement, July and August are often when significant decisions are made.
Local authorities may still:
consult schools
negotiate placements
agree concessions
amend EHCPs
finalise transition arrangements
If you're waiting for a specialist placement, it's worth keeping a close eye on your emails throughout the holidays.
Don't ignore correspondence
Even if you're away on holiday, try to check your emails regularly.
Missing a deadline or delaying a response can sometimes create unnecessary pressure just before the new school year begins.
If you're unsure about any document you've received, it's always better to seek advice promptly than leave it until September.
A good time to prepare
The summer holidays can also be an opportunity to prepare rather than simply wait.
You might choose to:
organise your evidence
review your child's EHCP
prepare for an Annual Review
obtain independent professional reports
consider your preferred school or placement
prepare for a Tribunal hearing later in the year
Being prepared now often reduces stress once term begins.
You're not alone this summer
Waiting for decisions over the summer can feel unsettling, especially when everyone else seems to be switching off for the holidays.
Remember that your child's needs don't pause just because school has finished.
Neither do your legal rights.
Need support over the summer?
If the final EHCP names an unsuitable school, refuses the specialist placement your child needs or leaves Section I unresolved, I can review the decision and confirm whether the case falls within my placement appeal work.
There is no charge to enquire and no telephone call is required. I reply by email within one working day.