Pathway 2 Phase Transfer Process - Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plans - WNC

What is phase transfer?

Phase transfer is when a child or young person moves to a new stage of education. This includes:

• Early years to reception class
• Infant school to junior school
• Primary school to secondary school
• Secondary school to post-16 education (college, sixth form, or training)

 

For children and young people with SEND, this is a key transition point. Planning must begin early to ensure that:

• The right provision is identified
• The right support is in place
• The transition is smooth and successful

 

Where a child or young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the process is coordinated by the local authority and follows statutory timelines.

 

Who does this apply to?

This guidance explains what to expect if your child is:

• A child or young person with an EHCP
• Undergoing an EHC needs assessment
• A child or young person with SEND without an EHCP

Each pathway is slightly different, so it’s important to follow the correct process.

 

Pathway 2: Children Undergoing an EHC Needs Assessment

 

What if my child does not yet have an EHCP?

If your child is being assessed but does not yet have a final EHCP, they are not part of the phase transfer process yet.

 

You must still apply for a school place

You must:

• Apply through the standard admissions process {Insert admissions link}
• Meet all relevant deadlines (e.g. October/January national closing dates)

 

Important:

An EHC needs assessment does not replace or delay the admissions process.

 

What happens next?

There are two possible outcomes:

EHCP issued:

• The local authority will then take responsibility for naming a school
• This may result in a change to the allocated school

EHCP not issued:

• Your child will remain in the school allocated through admissions

 

Why this is important

Applying through admissions ensures:

• Your child has a confirmed school place
• You avoid missing deadlines
• There is no gap in education provision

 

If you are unsure, you should seek advice from your school SENCo or the SEND Team.

 

If you are unhappy about the school or college named on your EHC plan

If you would like to discuss the school, college or provision that is named on the EHC plan then you can discuss with the SENCo at the setting first.

If you disagree with the setting or provision the team have named you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal Service. The views and opinions of children, young people and their families are important to them, they want your voices to be heard. You can also speak to West Northants SEND IASS team who will assist you to understand this process and the steps involved.

Contact the West Northants EHC Team:

Phone: 01604 526115 (10am to 4pm)

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Independent advice:

The West Northants SEND IASS team offers free and impartial support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND.

Website: West Northants SEND IASS

Phone: 0300 126 1039

Email: [email protected]