Educational transitions

Transitions with an EHCP: Phase transfer process

A phase transfer is the process of changing schools for a child or young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is specifically when moving between educational stages like:

  • nursery to school
  • primary school to secondary school
  • secondary school to post-16 education  

The process involves an annual review of the EHCP, where parents and professionals discuss the child's needs and progress to decide on the appropriate next placement.  

We then issue a final EHCP with the chosen setting by a statutory deadline before the new academic year start date in that year. These are:

  • 15 February for school transfers
  • 31 March for post-16 transfers

Phase transfer groups

The phase transfer groups, moving to a new phase in education, are:

  • Early years to school: Moving from a nursery or early years setting into reception at school.  
  • Infant to junior school: Moving from infant school in year 2 to a junior school in year 3.
  • Primary to secondary school: Moving from a primary or junior school to secondary school.  
  • Secondary school to further education: A young person moving from secondary school into post-16 education or a similar provision. 
  • One post-16 institution to another: If a young person is moving from one post-16 institution to another post-16 institution at any time. The phase tranfer needs to begin at least five months before that transfer takes place.

Phase transfer process

The process should start no later than the autumn term of the year before the child or young person is due to move from one phase of education to another. 

You can learn more about the transfer process below in the following documents:

1. EHCP annual review

The process starts with the local authority (LA) reviewing the EHCP.

This will:

  • identify any changes needed
  • ensure the plan is up to date for the next educational phase 

Following the review, the LA sends proposed amendments and a copy of the plan (with section I left blank) to the parent or young person. 

The parent/carer or young person has 15 calendar days to have their say about the content of the plan and to request that a particular place of learning is named.

During the process, you will be invited to express your preference for the next educational setting for your child. This could be a mainstream school, special school or college, depending on your child's age and needs.

2. Express preferences

It is important that you start to consider which school or college you would like your child and young person to attend.

All schools have information that explains the curriculum, facilities and what they want their pupils to achieve.

They also have specific information on how they support their pupils with special educational needs. The school or college’s website is the best place to find this information.

3. Consultation with schools and colleges

Admissions for children and young people with EHCPs is through the special educational needs team, via the formal consultation process.

The team consults with the schools or colleges you have named and any other suitable settings.

4. Choosing a school or college

Unless your child/young person’s needs have changed, he or she will usually attend the same type of school that they currently attend. We advise that you discuss this with their current school at the annual review. Requests for a change of type of placement will then be considered by the LA. 

You may express a preference for which school or college you would like your child to attend. As part of the process, the LA may also consult with schools and colleges it considers appropriate for your child and young person.

We recommend starting with the closest appropriate school or college to your home.  This will support your child to maintain contact with their friends and develop their independence as they progress. 

Support with school travel assistance (home to school transport) is the exception, not the norm, for statutory school-aged children (assistance is not provided to children attending nursery). Our travel assistance policies set out the arrangements for meeting our statutory duty for eligible children and young people.

5. Final EHCP

The local authority must issue a final EHCP naming the new setting by:

  • 15 February for transfers into or between schools (early years to school, infant to junior, primary or junior to secondary)
  • 31 March for transfers to post-16 settings (secondary to further education)

If you disagree with the named provision

We will aim to work with you through the phase transfer process.

Once we have finalised your child or young person’s EHCP, we will provide you with information on your next steps. This will include your right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal if you disagree with the amended EHCP or the school named.

Enquiries

Other sources of help:

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