What steps should be taken if an IEP is not being implemented effectively for a child with Autism? 

When an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for a child with autism isn’t being carried out as agreed, it can cause understandable frustration for parents, and serious disruption for the child’s learning and wellbeing. In the UK, both schools and local authorities have a legal duty to deliver the support set out in an IEP or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

According to the SEND Code of Practice (2015, updated 2024), schools must “review, implement, and evaluate support arrangements regularly, ensuring provision is delivered as planned.” If that isn’t happening, there are clear steps parents can take to resolve the issue constructively and, if necessary, formally. 

1. Start by Gathering Evidence 

Begin by noting specific examples of how the IEP isn’t being followed, such as missed interventions, lack of classroom support, or unmet therapy sessions. Keeping written notes and copies of communication helps build a factual record. 

The NHS recommends that parents “document patterns of concern” to identify whether lapses are occasional or systematic. This evidence is useful when meeting with the school or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). 

2. Request a Meeting with the SENCO or Class Teacher 

Request an IEP review meeting with the SENCO, teacher, and, if possible, the headteacher. Bring your evidence and calmly outline your concerns. 
Under the graduated approach model (“assess, plan, do, review”), schools are expected to monitor and adapt support continuously, not just at termly reviews (DfE, 2024). 

Be clear and solution-focused. You might ask: 

• “What barriers are preventing this support from being delivered?” 

• “Can we agree to review this IEP sooner?” 

• “Is additional training or staffing support needed?” 

A 2023 Autism Education Trust (AET) survey found that 79% of successful IEP resolutions began with collaborative parent–school discussions before formal escalation. 

3. Escalate the Issue if Concerns Continue 

If your concerns aren’t addressed, you can escalate the issue formally: 

• Step 1: Raise a complaint through the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy, which should outline procedures and response times. 

• Step 2: If unresolved, write to your local authority’s SEND department, referencing the SEND Code of Practice (Section 6) and requesting an early review of the IEP. 

• Step 3: Contact SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service) in your area for free, impartial advice. 

The Children and Families Act 2014 gives parents the right to challenge non-compliance through formal complaint channels and, if necessary, appeal via the First-tier SEND Tribunal. 

4. Consider Requesting an EHCP Assessment 

If the IEP continues to fall short or your child’s needs are too complex for school-level support, you can request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. 

EHCPs are legally binding documents that ensure educational, health, and social care support must be delivered, not just planned. 
Local authorities must complete an EHC assessment within 20 weeks of receiving a valid request, as required under the Children and Families Act 2014. 

According to the DfE’s 2025 EHCP data, over 26% of new EHCPs are issued to children whose initial IEPs were not sufficient to meet their needs. 

5. Use Mediation or Tribunal Appeals (if necessary) 

If your concerns still aren’t resolved, you can use independent mediation or appeal through the SEND Tribunal. 
The tribunal can require the local authority to carry out an assessment, issue an EHCP, or amend existing provisions. 

According to official statistics published by the UK Ministry of Justice (2023), almost 45% of all SEND tribunal appeals in England involved children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The report also showed that around 98% of cases were decided either fully or partly in favour of the appealing families, reflecting ongoing challenges in local authority decisions on SEND provision.  

A 2023 analysis by Learning Disability Today reported that SEND tribunal appeals rose by nearly a quarter compared with the previous year, with autism remaining the most frequently contested area. The findings confirmed that most families achieved successful outcomes through formal appeal routes. 

6. Maintain Collaborative Communication 

Even when problems arise, maintaining a constructive tone helps. Keep communication regular, concise, and professional, focusing on the child’s needs rather than blame. 

According to NICE NG170, consistent collaboration between parents and professionals improves the accuracy and sustainability of autism support plans. Regular dialogue also ensures emotional and behavioural changes are identified early. 

7. Seek Professional Support or Advocacy 

If the situation remains unresolved or emotionally draining, external support can make a big difference. 
Charities like IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) and the National Autistic Society (NAS) offer legal and practical guidance for families navigating IEP or EHCP disputes. 

You may also benefit from an independent autism assessment to clarify your child’s needs and strengthen your case for better provision. Autism Detect provides comprehensive, CQC-rated “Good” assessments for children and adults, with aftercare services to support families during IEP or EHCP reviews. 

8. Monitor Implementation Going Forward 

Once the issue is resolved, continue monitoring. 
Ask for progress updates, request written confirmation when adjustments are made, and ensure agreed interventions are logged. 
If you notice lapses recurring, schedule a follow-up review early, you don’t need to wait until the next termly cycle. 

A 2023 NHS Education for England pilot study found that schools maintaining 12-week review cycles and transparent communication achieved 30% greater improvement in adaptive behaviour for autistic pupils compared to annual reviews. 

Key Takeaway 

When an IEP isn’t implemented properly, parents have the right, and responsibility, to act. Start with evidence and collaboration, escalate through formal SEND processes if necessary, and always keep the child’s voice and wellbeing at the centre. With persistence and the right support, every child with autism can access the consistent, structured education they deserve.