Eight hundred children with special educational needs in Hertfordshire are currently waiting on vital plans to help them, it has emerged.

Parents were left shocked at the figure, revealed at a county council meeting on March 29, which refers to open assessments and health care plans (EHCP) for local pupils.

Without the legally binding document, children entitled to things such as special school places, transport, therapy and extra resources often struggle to get them.

Jenny Roughton, who has a child trying to update their EHCP, audibly gasped when she found out and said she feels for parents still trying to put one in place.

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“There seems to be a lack of resources from government all the way down to the schools,” she said.

The mother added that even once a plan is agreed, a lack of resources can create more delays.

“I’m experiencing the other side now,” she added. “He has the wrong EHCP plan now anyway, two years in secondary and he is still on a primary plan.”

A mother of a daughter with autism, who did not want to be named, said yearly reviews and meetings are often missed, and branded the level of resources “an embarrassment”.

“They definitely don’t have enough stuff,” she added. “They really struggle.”

A HCC spokesperson said it is “very aware of the backlog” and is committed to providing the vital support families need and deserve.

“In common with many local authorities, we are experiencing an unprecedented increase in requests for support, with a 47% increase in pupils with EHCPs since 2019,” they added.

Watford Observer: Cllr Mark Watkin (left) Cllr Nigel Bell (right)Cllr Mark Watkin (left) Cllr Nigel Bell (right) (Image: Cllr Mark Watkin,Cllr Nigel Bell)

The Tory-run council confirmed it is “urgently” looking at additional resources and investments “to turn the situation around”, but there is a shortage of qualified staff.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for education, councillor Mark Watkin said: “There is a massive backlog of EHCPs in Hertfordshire preventing children with the greatest needs from getting the help that they desperately need.”

He also criticised delay in making funding available.

Labour's children’s spokesperson, councillor Nigel Bell, claimed all councillors across all parties know this is “one of the major issues” they face.

He said that at least an extra million pounds will likely be committed and added that he has heard of individual staff previously facing backlogs of two to three hundred cases.