OVER 100 Worcestershire children are being 'let down' by delays in issuing final transition education healthcare plans or statements.

The legal deadline for local authorities to notify the families of children in England who have an Education and Healthcare Plan (ECHP) in place regarding which school place they have been allocated was Thursday, February 15.

But figures obtained via a Freedom of Information Request by specialist education law experts at Simpson Millar have revealed that in 2023, 14 LAs in the West Midlands reported delays, impacting a total of 374 out of 3552 (10 per cent) pupils with an EHCP in place.

Worcestershire County Council accounted for 111 of these.

Cllr Elena Round, of Worcester City Council, was not surprised by the figures, stressing the system was failing Worcester's children.

"It is not surprising that yet again Worcestershire Children's First (WCC) are identified in this report," she said.

"Time and time again we continue to see failures within the system affecting those most vulnerable children in our society. 

"Life chances are being diminished because of these failures and the inability to hold those in authority accountable. 

"I suspect these figures are just the tip of the iceberg and it is well known in Worcestershire that many children who have been identified via an EHCP as requiring specialist education are being denied an education because of the lack of placements. 

"I remain convinced that the only way we can know the true extent of the failings in Worcester Children's First is by way of an independent investigation".

Simpson Millar is urging parents to take note of the deadline as if they didn't receive their transition education healthcare plan by February 15, they are entitled to take legal action to speed up the process of receiving notification and for lodging a potential appeal.

Councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Changing stage and phase of school or college is an important time for all children and families. 

"This is especially important for children and young people with an EHCP, which we are required to review, amend (where necessary), and issue for most phase transfers by 15 February each year.

"Where we are unable to meet this deadline, our staff continue to work in cooperation with children, young people,  their families and settings  to ensure that the right information is received and planning can be made in as timely a manner as possible for every child transferring settings with an EHCP.”