Pathway 3 Phase Transfer Process - Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plans - WNC
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Description
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 3: Children with SEND (No EHCP)
How school places are allocated
If your child does not have an EHCP:
- Applications must be made through the usual admissions process
- Places are allocated in line with the school’s admissions criteria
Support in school
If your child has SEND but no EHCP:
- Schools must provide support through SEN Support
- This may include:
- Individual support plans
- Adjustments to teaching
- Involvement from external professionals
You should speak to the school SENCo to discuss your child’s needs.
Can my child still get an EHCP?
Yes. You or the school can request an EHC needs assessment if:
- Your child has significant or complex needs
- The school cannot meet these needs through SEN Support alone
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]
- Accreditations
N/A
- Cost
- Free
- Locality
- Brackley Area
- Daventry Area
- Northampton Area
- Towcester Area
- West Northamptonshire
- Northamptonshire
- Additional languages
- Translation and/or Interpreting Available on Request
- Age range
- Suitable for ages from 0 to 25 years
- Referral route
- Education or School Referral
- Self Referral
- For people with
- Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND)
- Eligibility criteria
- Age Range - School
- Age Range - Early Years
- Age Range - Adulthood
- Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND)
- Provider category
- Specialist Services - For those who require longer-term support
Follow this service
Address
West Northamptonshire Council, One Angel Square, Angel Street
Northampton
West Northamptonshire
NN1 1ED
United Kingdom
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Last updated 01 September 2026