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Tools that compare EHCP quality between local authorities give the evidence and direction to make rapid improvements
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Comparison is the thief of joy. However, in SEND we'd argue the opposite.
The number of EHCPs has increased by 140% over the past nine years, placing unprecedented pressure on the system. Local and national SEND services are struggling to meet growing demand, increasing complexity, and tighter timelines. The result? A system many would argue is no longer fit for purpose.
Local authorities carry a statutory duty to ensure children and young people receive the support they need. But with budget deficits, workforce constraints, and uncertainty around future reforms, SEND teams are being forced to rethink how they improve EHCP quality both now and for the long term.
Increasingly, through:
- Robust EHCP quality assurance (from initial information gathering through to draft plans)
- And central to this article benchmarking EHCPs across local authorities
Before we explore the benefits, it’s important to clarify what we mean by “benefits.”
Benchmarking is not a ‘nice-to-have’.
SEND systems are at a critical inflection point, and benchmarking provides essential evidence, accountability, and direction for improvement.
Between January 2023 and March 2024, 31% of local areas inspected by Ofsted and CQC were found to have widespread or systemic failings. In this context, improvement is not optional t’s urgent.
Back in 2023, we shared our blog: “7 Key Benefits of Benchmarking for Local Authorities.” At the time, our benchmarking feature was just launching across Invision360 modules.
Now, two years on, we revisit those benefits with stronger evidence of impact.
Benchmarking qualities of EHCPs and their creation helps local authority SEND teams to improve their practice, share their achievements with senior leaders and demonstrate to external inspectors that early-stage improvements are visible.
In a nutshell, the current SEND systems lack visibility, evidence and purposeful use of evidence. This applies to both local and national SEND systems– but not through lack of trying.
Local authorities have limited levers when it comes to implementing quality SEND provision into schools. Although local authority SEND teams have statutory responsibility for the support SEND children receive, they are one cog in a huge SEND system.
Funding deficits, local area SEND inspection processes, the scarcity of education, health and care professionals, and EHCP timeline pressures all contribute to the top challenges local authorities face when improving their SEND provision.
Benchmarking helps address these challenges by offering clearer insight and direction.
Benchmarking tools like the EHCP QA module provide local authority SEND teams with structured, real-time data on the quality and completeness of EHCPs.
By making this data easily accessible, teams can conduct in-depth assessments, identifying key trends, common issues, and areas where improvements are needed in comparison to other local SEND teams.
This level of insight helps SEND professionals ensure compliance with legal frameworks and enhances the overall quality of EHCPs, leading to better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Data-driven decision-making is essential for local authorities managing SEND services, particularly in an era of increasing financial pressures with strategic overrides coming to an end in March 2026.
Benchmarking enables LA SEND team leaders to make informed choices about budget allocations, workforce capacity, and training needs.
By identifying inefficiencies and areas requiring additional resources, these tools help ensure that spending is targeted where it has the greatest impact, improving service delivery and long-term sustainability.
Maintaining high standards in EHCPs is a key priority for LAs, as inconsistencies can lead to delays and poor outcomes for children and young people.
The process of benchmarking allows SEND teams to assess the quality of their EHCPs against recognised national standards.
Providing clear metrics on performance. By embedding these quality assurance mechanisms, LAs can hold themselves accountable for continuous improvement while ensuring they meet legal obligations and best-practice guidelines.
The DfE, Ofsted, and the CQC have consistently emphasised the need for continuous improvement in SEND services.
Benchmarking supports this objective by offering structured insights that enable teams to track progress over time, identify best practices, and implement targeted interventions (like using the tools for tailored CPD plans).
Effective SEND service delivery relies on strong collaboration between local authorities, schools, health services, and families.
Benchmarking fosters transparency by providing a shared framework for assessing EHCP quality and performance, helping to build trust among stakeholders.
Tools that support benchmarking also enable local authorities to coordinate joint initiatives such as shared training programs, which improve efficiency and reduce costs.
By using benchmarking insights to inform future planning, LA SEND teams can make cost-effective decisions that enhance service quality while ensuring financial sustainability– which we know is going to be an on-going hot topic for local area SEND inspections.
Invision360 helps local authority SEND teams benchmark their provision against local and national standardsproviding clear direction and tangible evidence for improvement.
Our modules:
- Streamline EHCP processes
- Reduce administrative burden
- Support document quality and consistency
- Track progress seamlessly
We also prioritise:
- Fast onboarding
- Hands-on training
- Immediate impact
Our latest innovation, VITA (AI-driven EHCP first-drafts), further enhances efficiency and quality.
👉 Book a free demo to see how we can support your SEND team.
The author:
Philip Stock, CEO and Founder of Invision360, leveraged his background as a Principal Educational Psychologist and Head of SEND and Inclusion Services to address challenges in SEND quality assurance. In 2021, he established Invision360 to develop technological solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
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