Explain
Early review
The 12-month rule sets the latest date for a review, not the earliest. A review can be held sooner, for example when needs change, a placement is at risk, or a move between schools is coming up. A parent, young person, school or college can ask for an early review, and the council decides whether to hold one. An early review follows the same steps and time limits as an annual review, and the next review is then due within 12 months of it.
- Type of rule
- Law (Act or Regulations)
- Rule id
early_review- Rules version
- england-2026.10
- Law as at
- 30 September 2026
Sources
- Children and Families Act 2014, s 44(1)Law (Act or Regulations)
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.166Code of Practice: must (restates the law)
- SEND Regulations 2014, reg 20(10)Law (Act or Regulations)
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 9.178Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)
Related
- Annual review
- When the next annual review is due
- Re-assessment
- Moving between school phases (phase transfer)
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