More children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Stoke-on-Trent are receiving support sooner, according to the city council.
The proportion of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued within 20 weeks has risen to 62%, up from 33% in 2025. The improvement came despite an 11% increase in requests for assessments.
The council's Special Educational Needs Monitoring and Assessment Service supports more than 3,800 children and young people with EHCPs.
The team was recognised at the West Midlands ADCS Team Excellence Awards 2026, held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Friday.
The council credited a more streamlined assessment process and closer working between schools, health services and the authority. More pupils are now supported in mainstream schools.
Cllr Sarah Jane Colclough said the team had made ‘real progress in reducing delays’ and remained committed to building on it.
.png)
