Update on capacity and demand from Brighton & Hove’s SEN Statutory Service

We know many of you will be concerned about waiting times for EHC assessments in Brighton & Hove. We spoke to Rhianedd Hughes, Head of SEN Statutory Service in Brighton & Hove, to get the latest information on capacity and demand.

“Over the past few years, Brighton & Hove has seen a significant and ongoing increase in requests for Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments. Levels remain higher than the national average, and this upward trend has continued through 2025 and into early 2026. 

“One of the biggest changes has been an increase in requests from parents and carers, which now make up around 45 percent of all requests (up from 34.8 percent in 2023). Early 2026 data show parental requests are now broadly equal to those from schools. This may reflect understandable anxiety following recent national policy announcements. 

“At present, the SEN Statutory Service is receiving between four and ten new EHC needs assessment requests every day. This sustained level of demand is placing significant pressure on both the SEN Statutory Service and the Educational Psychology Service, particularly when trying to meet statutory timescales.”

How this is affecting the service

“Our Casework Officers are continuing to manage very high workloads. Many are responsible for over 230 children and young people with EHC plans, alongside new assessment work. While we are doing everything we can to manage these pressures, families may unfortunately experience delays in EHC needs assessments at times. We understand how frustrating this can be and want to reassure families that work continues on cases, even when responses take longer than hoped. The service is looking at adding additional staffing capacity.”

A new IT system: Synergy 

“In April 2026, our service moved to a new IT system called Synergy. While any new system takes time to settle, this will help us work more efficiently in the longer term. We will also be introducing secure online portals so parents/carers and professionals can submit and view information and reports about children and young people more easily. 

 Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding. We know the pressures families are under and greatly value your continued partnership during this challenging period. 

Best wishes 

 Rhian”

Contacting the SEN Statutory Service 

The council’s standard response time for emails and written enquiries is up to 10 working days (two working weeks), although we do aim to respond sooner wherever possible. 

SEN Statutory Service
Hove Town Hall, Norton Road
📞 01273 293552 (weekdays, 9.30am to 1.30pm)
📧 [email protected]