More disabled children in Doncaster getting essential care plan in time

By Stephanie Bateman
Published 24th Jun 2023, 07:00 BST
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The rate at which disabled children and young people in Doncaster received education, health and care plans within the legal time limit increased last year, new figures show.

The plans allow families to access tailored assistance for children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs. Disability charity Sense said delays in creating these plans means thousands of youngsters are at risk of "falling through the cracks".

By law, councils have 20 weeks from the date of a request being made to craft a plan.

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However, Department for Education data shows 73% of education, health and care plans in Doncaster last year were created within 20 weeks.

By law, councils have 20 weeks from the date of a request being made to craft a planBy law, councils have 20 weeks from the date of a request being made to craft a plan
By law, councils have 20 weeks from the date of a request being made to craft a plan

It was up from 68 per cent of care plans in 2021.

Sarah White, Sense head of policy, said: "EHC plans are vital for disabled children to access support which enables them to thrive. Without them, education, health and care services are limited in what support they can provide and children won’t get the best start in life."