Tameside Council is taking too long to review children’s education, health and care (EHC) plans, an investigation has found.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman discovered that for nearly 60% of children with an EHC plan in the area, an annual review had been delayed by more than eight months.
Ombudsman Amerdeep Somal said: ‘All these delays represent children and young people who are potentially not having their needs met, because the most up-to-date information about the precise support they require has not been finalised.’
She told the council to create an action plan to address its backlog of reviews and ensure a body of councillors oversees its progress.
Tameside said there was an ‘unprecedented’ 3,678 children with EHC plans in the area, double the national average, placing strain on its resources.
A spokesperson added: ‘However, we have a clear action plan to improve this situation and address the significant backlog of EHCP reviews we must process.’
