Pathway 1 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 1: Children and Young People with an EHCP

 

When does the process start?

The phase transfer process begins when your child is in one of the following year groups:

• Final year of pre-school
• Year 2
• Year 5
• Year 10

Planning at this stage helps ensure there is enough time to assess needs, consult with schools, and issue a final EHCP naming a placement.

 

Step 1: Phase Transfer Review (Autumn Term)

Your child’s school or setting will arrange an annual review of the EHCP, which will focus specifically on transition to the next phase.

 

What happens at the review?

The meeting will include:

• You (parent/carer)
• Your child or young person (where appropriate)
• School staff (including the SENCo)
• Relevant professionals (e.g. Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist)

 

What will be discussed?

• Your child’s current needs and progress
• Whether support in the EHCP is still appropriate
• What support and provision will be required at the next stage
• The type of school or setting that may be suitable
• Your views and preferences

Your child’s views should be captured and reflected wherever possible.

 

Step 2: Expressing your preference (by 23 October)

You have the legal right to request:

• A specific school or college
• A type of setting (e.g. mainstream or special school)

What you should do:

• Visit schools and attend open evenings
• Speak to your current school SENCo
• Consider what type of environment will best meet your child’s needs

A preference form will be provided and should be returned by 23 October.

Important:

• You are not required to complete a preference form
• However, providing a preference helps the local authority understand your wishes

If no preference is received, the local authority will identify suitable schools to consult.

 

Step 3: Local authority consultation (Autumn–Winter)

The local authority will:

• Review your child’s updated EHCP
• Consult with suitable schools or settings
• Ask whether they can meet your child’s needs

Schools must respond within a set timescale and provide reasons if they cannot offer a place.

 

 

Step 4: Draft EHCP issued (January)

You will receive:

• A notice of Amendment
• A Draft EHCP showing any proposed changes
• The school or setting the local authority is proposing to name

 

Your rights at this stage:

You have 15 calendar days to:

• Comment on the contents of the EHCP
• Request a different school or setting
• Provide additional information

 

Step 5: Final EHCP issued

The final EHCP will name a school or type of setting.

 

Legal deadlines:

• 15 February – primary/secondary transfers
• 31 March – post-16 transfers

The named school must then admit your child.

 

Your rights

At all stages, you have the right to:

• Be involved in decisions about your child’s education
• Request a specific school or type of provision
• Receive a draft EHCP and comment on changes
• Appeal to the SEND Tribunal if you disagree with the final plan, including:
• Section B (needs)
• Section F (provision)
• Section I (placement)

 

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]