Understanding the Buckinghamshire Secondary/Post-16 SEND Panel – an observation from FACT BUCKS representative attending the Secondary and Post 16 Educational Health Care Needs Assessment Panel

FACT BUCKS has attended the weekly Secondary/Post-16 SEND Panel meetings during September and October 2026 as part of our strategic participation work with Buckinghamshire Council. Through observing the panel process, we have gained a greater understanding of how requests for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) are considered and the evidence reviewed when decisions are made. 

Parents and carers may hear that a request for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) has been referred to the Secondary/Post-16 SEND Panel. Understanding who sits on the panel and what they consider can help families feel more informed about the process. 

Who is on the Secondary/Post-16 SEND Panel? 

The panel is made up of the SEND Services Manager and a team of professionals with expertise in SEND assessment, annual reviews and inclusion. This includes: 

  • An officer from the North/South Annual Review Team who supports the coordination and processing of Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) annual reviews. 
  • A Senior Assessment Lead for the North/South locality who oversees statutory EHCP assessments and supports the wider assessment team. 
  • A SEND Inclusion Specialist Teacher who works directly with schools to promote inclusive practice, adapt teaching approaches and support effective SEND provision. 

What does the panel do? 

The panel's role is to consider whether a young person requires an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA). 

To reach a decision, panel members undertake a detailed review of the evidence available. Their aim is to build a comprehensive picture of the young person's needs across different areas of life and education. 

What evidence is considered? 

The panel may consider: 

  • Attendance and engagement in education 
  • Attainment and academic progress 
  • Social interaction and relationships with peers 
  • Behaviour and presentation within the educational setting 
  • Information provided by parents and carers about the young person's needs at home 
  • Reports, assessments and advice from other professionals, including health and social care services 

How is a decision made? 

Rather than focusing on a single report or piece of evidence, the panel considers all available information together. This holistic approach helps determine whether the legal threshold for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment has been met. If the panel determines that the threshold has been met, an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) may be agreed and the statutory assessment process will begin. 

If the panel determines that the threshold has not been met, Buckinghamshire Council will notify the family of the decision and provide information about any rights to challenge or appeal. A Way Forward Meeting may be arranged to discuss the evidence considered, identify any additional support that may be available, and agree next steps for the young person. 

 

FACT BUCKS Tip for Parents and Carers 

If you are requesting an EHC Needs Assessment, it is helpful to ensure that evidence clearly demonstrates: 

  • The nature and extent of your child or young person's needs. 
  • The support already in place and its impact. 
  • Any ongoing difficulties despite support being provided. 
  • The impact of the needs on education, independence, social development, emotional wellbeing and preparation for adulthood. 

Providing a clear picture across home, school and professional reports can help decision-makers fully understand your child or young person's circumstances. 

What We Observed 

During our observations, we noted that the panel considers a wide range of information rather than relying on one report or professional opinion alone. Discussions focus on understanding the young person's needs across education, home life, health and social care, and whether the available evidence indicates that the legal threshold for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment has been met. 

As Buckinghamshire's Parent Carer Forum, FACT BUCKS will continue to attend these meetings as part of our strategic role, helping to strengthen understanding between families and services and ensuring that parent carer perspectives remain represented in discussions about local SEND processes.