New SEND Phase Transfer guides

The Buckinghamshire SEND Service has developed a series of infographics to help parents, carers, and professionals understand the SEND phase transfer process for both school-age and post-16 transitions.

The guides provide a clear overview of the key stages in the transfer journey, including annual reviews, expressing preferences, consultation and placement processes, key statutory deadlines, and support available throughout the process.

Guidance on legal deadlines and responsibilities for planning post-16 education, including review, preference, consultation, and support processes.

• Start planning at least one year before transition, with key deadlines in March and September.
• The annual review occurs between May and September and covers needs, plans, and placement suitability.
• Express preferences by visiting potential settings and submitting choices online.
• The Local Authority sends plans to settings, which assess their ability to meet needs.
• Final EHC plans are issued within 15 days, with amendments if necessary.
• Disagreeing with the placement allows immediate appeal.
• Support is available through education, health and care coordinators or the SEND advice line.

This guide outlines key deadlines and responsibilities for EHC plan finalisation, review, and placement decisions in education settings.

• Feb 15 is crucial for finalising EHC plans, starting a year before transfer, involving discussions on needs, progress, and placement preferences.
• Visit potential schools early, submit preferences in the annual review, and the Local Authority issues the final EHC plan for September.
• If disagreeing with the named setting, appeal immediately and seek support from your education, health and care coordinator or SEND advice line.
• The annual review process includes expressing preferences, consultation, placement assessment, and issuing the final EHC plan.
• Section 1 of the plan is critical; review and challenge it promptly if needed.