EHCP phase-transfer reviews and deadlines
An EHCP must be reviewed and amended in time for a planned transfer between phases of education. The usual final-plan deadline is 15 February for specified school-phase transfers and 31 March for a transfer from secondary school to a post-16 institution. Other transfers have different rules, so confirm the category early.
Practical guidance for families in England
Identify the type of transfer
Check whether the move is a statutory phase transfer, a secondary-to-post-16 transfer or another change of institution. The 15 February and 31 March dates are not interchangeable. A change requested during the year does not automatically use either date. Ask the authority to identify the applicable rule and timetable.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
Start preparation well before the deadline
Use current professional advice, the child or young person’s views, progress information and evidence of needs and provision. From Year 9, reviews must include preparation for adulthood. Ask prospective settings specific questions about delivering the provision, rather than relying solely on a general description of their offer.
Review B and F before placement
A transfer plan needs accurate needs and provision as well as an institution in I. Identify changes in curriculum, communication, support, personal care or independence demands. Avoid allowing a placement discussion to obscure gaps in F. Compare each option against the same evidenced requirements.
Track the final-plan date
For the relevant school-phase transfers, the plan must normally be amended by 15 February in the calendar year of transfer. For secondary-to-post-16 transfer, the normal date is 31 March. Transfers between post-16 institutions and other situations have their own timing rules; check the current SEND regulations and Code for the actual move.
If the deadline is missed or placement disputed
Ask for the final amended plan and a written timetable. Check appeal rights as soon as the decision arrives. Seek prompt advice if delay risks leaving the child or young person without suitable education; a complaint does not automatically suspend an appeal deadline or create interim provision.
Check the documents for this stage
Keep the relevant request, decision notice or plan together with the evidence referred to above. Record the source of each proposed change and the date on which the next action is due. If two accounts differ, explain the difference and seek clarification rather than omitting one account.
Plan the handover
Ask who will share reports, arrange transition visits, prepare communication aids and confirm provision from the first day. Identify any transport or social-care planning that needs a separate decision. A final plan should be accompanied by practical implementation planning, especially where several agencies are involved.
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Before you take the next step
You should be able to identify the issue, the outcome or information you need, the evidence supporting it and the person responsible for the next action. Keep a copy of what you send and any acknowledgement. The related guides below cover the stages that may follow.
Free information and additional support
Choose help for the question you need answered
Your local SENDIASS offers free information, advice and support. IPSEA also publishes SEND guidance. If a deadline, evidence gap or disputed decision remains unclear, identify the specific question before commissioning paid help. Seek prompt specialist legal advice where an urgent legal remedy may be needed.
How Little Nellie’s can help
Little Nellie’s offers EHCP advocacy, document review, evidence organisation and independent social-work input. Agree the task, deliverable, deadline and fee before instructing. The related service and pricing pages explain the available support.
Little Nellie’s is not a law firm. Its services do not replace the local authority’s statutory duties or guarantee a plan, placement or tribunal outcome. Legal work outside the agreed service scope may require a specialist solicitor.
Related guides and support
Choose the guide for your next question or stage.
Official sources and EHCP services
Official sources: Children and Families Act 2014 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents
SEND Code of Practice — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
SEND appeal guidance — https://www.gov.uk/appeal-ehc-plan-decision
Free SEND guidance — https://www.ipsea.org.uk/
The service links below describe Nellie’s paid support. Check current official instructions when filing an appeal.
Discuss the support you need
Send the relevant decision, plan or request and any deadline when enquiring. Ask which service addresses your specific issue and request a clear scope and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every transfer deadline 15 February?
No. That date applies to specified school-phase transfers. Secondary-to-post-16 transfers normally use 31 March, and other transfers have separate rules.
Should only Section I change?
No. Review the whole plan so that needs, provision, outcomes and preparation for the next stage remain accurate.
Does a post-16 place mean the EHCP must end?
No. Whether a plan continues depends on the statutory criteria and education or training needs, not the transfer alone.
Where can I find free SEND information?
Your local SENDIASS provides free information, advice and support. IPSEA publishes guidance on the SEND system. Use the direct links in the sources section and check any service’s current availability.
What should I send when asking Little Nellie’s for help?
Send the relevant request, decision letter or plan, the key evidence and any deadline. Explain the specific task you need help with so the scope and fee can be agreed.
Does this guide apply outside England?
This guide concerns the EHCP framework in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different education and support systems; check guidance for the relevant jurisdiction.