As students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) prepare to transition from one educational phase to another, such as moving from primary to secondary school or entering post-16 education, it’s crucial to understand the process known as a ‘phase transfer’. This is a key period where the EHCP must be reviewed, amended, and reissued to reflect the student’s evolving needs and the next phase of their education.
Key Deadlines:
- For students moving to secondary school, the updated EHCP should be finalised by the Local Authority by 15 February 2025, to ensure a smooth start in September 2025.
- Students transitioning to a post-16 provision must have their EHCPs reviewed, amended, and issued by 31 March 2025 or at least five months before if transferring from one post-16 provision to another.
However, it’s important to note that these finalised EHCPs do not always accurately reflect the student’s needs, the required provisions, or name a suitable placement. If you are not satisfied with the finalised plan, it is crucial to know that you have the right to appeal the contents of the EHCP.
Moreover, if the Local Authority fails to comply with these statutory deadlines, there are legal steps you can take to address these crucial failures. At Robertsons Solicitors, we are equipped to assist you in appealing the EHCP content or taking action against deadline non-compliance by the Local Authority. If you find yourself facing these issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert legal support to ensure your child receives the educational provisions they deserve.
