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Published March 20, 2026

SEN Transition Planning: A Parent’s Guide to EHC Plan Phase Moves

By Billie Geena Hyde
SEO Lead
, Tutorful
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If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC plan) and is approaching a change in educational phase, you’re entering one of the most important periods in their educational journey. Whether they’re moving from early years to primary school, primary to secondary, or preparing for post-16 education, getting the transition right can make the difference between your child thriving or struggling in their new setting. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process confidently and advocate effectively for your child’s needs.

⏰ Critical Transition Deadlines

For September 2026 transitions, EHC plan reviews must be completed by 31st March 2026

Don’t wait – start planning NOW if your child is transitioning phases

Late planning can result in delayed placements and inadequate provision

Understanding SEN Transitions: Why They Matter

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), transitions between educational phases represent both opportunities and risks.

Types of Educational Phase Transitions Four main educational transitions for children with SEND: Early Years to Primary, Primary to Secondary, Secondary to Post-16, and Post-16 to Adult Services Types of Educational Phase Transitions Early Years → Primary Age 4-5 Reception entry First major transition Primary → Secondary Age 10-11 Year 6 → Year 7 Most common transition Secondary → Post-16 Age 15-16 Year 11 → Year 12 Complex choices & planning Post-16 → Adult Services Age 18-25 Depends on provision Requires earliest planning Common Transition Challenges for Children with SEND • Loss of specialist knowledge when staff change • Different approaches to SEND support between settings • Physical environment changes affecting sensory needs • Social difficulties in forming new relationships Statutory transition planning exists to prevent these problems
Each transition requires specific planning and support

Statutory Requirements: Your Legal Framework

SEN transition planning isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal requirement backed by the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.

Critical Statutory Deadlines for Transition Planning Timeline showing key deadlines: 15 February parent notification, 31 March review completion, 15 April final plan, and ongoing monitoring Critical Statutory Deadlines for Transition Planning 15 FEBRUARY Parents must be notified of review 31 MARCH ⚠️ Review MUST be completed CRITICAL DEADLINE 15 APRIL Final EHC plan must be issued ONGOING Monitoring & adjustment Why These Deadlines Matter ✗ Late planning = Delayed placement decisions ✗ Popular specialist placements fill up early ✗ Insufficient time for appeals if needed These deadlines are legally binding ⚠️ START PLANNING NOW Don’t wait for the LA to contact you!
Miss these deadlines and your child’s transition could be compromised

The Transition Planning Timeline: Getting It Right

Successful SEN transitions require careful planning over an extended period.

Year-Long Transition Planning Schedule Four phases of transition planning from September to ongoing implementation Year-Long Transition Planning Schedule SEPT – DEC: Planning Phase ✓ Initial planning meetings with current school ✓ Needs assessment update • Setting research Focus: Gathering information & exploring options JAN – MARCH: Decision Phase ⚠️ ✓ Transition review meeting • LA consultations ✓ Placement decisions • EHC plan amendments Focus: Making final decisions by 31 March deadline APRIL – AUG: Preparation Phase ✓ Transition visits & familiarization • Staff briefings ✓ Resource preparation • Family preparation Focus: Getting child & setting ready for September SEPT ONWARDS: Implementation Phase ✓ Child starts • Close monitoring • Adjustments as needed Focus: Supporting successful settlement & addressing issues
Each phase builds on the previous – don’t skip ahead without completing earlier steps

Working Effectively with Schools and Settings

Successful transitions require strong partnerships between families, current settings, and receiving settings.

Who Does What: Transition Responsibilities Responsibilities of Local Authority, Current Setting, and New Setting during transition planning Who Does What: Transition Responsibilities LOCAL AUTHORITY Must provide: • Coordinate review • Consult settings • Amend EHC plan • Name placement • Arrange transport • Provide funding Key deadlines: 15 Feb: Notify parents 31 Mar: Review done 15 Apr: Plan issued ⚠️ If LA doesn’t meet deadlines, you can complain or appeal Don’t accept delays! CURRENT SETTING Must provide: • Detailed reports • Progress data • Successful strategies • Transition planning • Liaison with new setting Key documents: • Transition report • Assessment data • Intervention records • Behavior plans • Health information • Communication tools Request these early! NEW SETTING Must provide: • Needs assessment • Provision planning • Staff training • Environment prep • Welcome visits • Transition support Before start date: • Staff briefed • Resources ready • Support arranged • Plans in place ✓ Everything must be ready from day one No excuses!
Clear responsibilities mean better coordination and fewer problems

Understanding Different Placement Options

Choosing the right setting for your child requires understanding what each type of provision offers.

Types of SEND Provision Comparison Four types of SEND provision: Mainstream with Support, Specialist Settings, Resource Provisions, and Alternative Provisions Types of SEND Provision: Comparison MAINSTREAM WITH SUPPORT When appropriate: • Needs can be met with additional support • Benefits from inclusive environment • Can access mainstream curriculum with adaptation SPECIALIST SETTINGS When appropriate: • Complex needs requiring specialist expertise • Highly adapted curriculum needed • Mainstream can’t meet needs even with support RESOURCE PROVISIONS (ARPs) What they offer: • Specialist units within mainstream schools • Enhanced provision for specific needs (e.g. ASD) • Partial inclusion with specialist support Best of both worlds ALTERNATIVE PROVISIONS Examples: • Pupil Referral Units (SEMH needs) • Medical education (health needs) • Hospital schools • Online provision For specific circumstances
Visit multiple types of provision to understand what works best for your child

Common Transition Problems and Solutions

Even with good planning, transitions can face obstacles. Here are practical solutions.

Problem-Solving Framework for Transition Issues Solutions for common transition problems including unsuitable placements, schools refusing needs, and time pressures Problem-Solving Framework for Transition Issues ❌ PROBLEM: “LA says no suitable placement” SOLUTIONS: • Request detailed explanation • Challenge assessments • Seek independent advice • Research alternatives • Request tribunal ❌ PROBLEM: “School says can’t meet needs” SOLUTIONS: • Detailed planning meeting • Arrange specialist training • Gradual integration • Request enhanced funding • External support ⚠️ PROBLEM: “Running out of time before September” EMERGENCY STRATEGIES: • Request emergency review (fast-track process) • Temporary arrangements • Tribunal application • Advocacy support • Mediation services
Don’t accept “no” without exploring all solutions and your legal rights

Your Rights and Appeals Process

When transition planning goes wrong, you have legal rights to challenge decisions.

SEND Tribunal Process: Your Legal Rights What SEND Tribunal can and cannot decide, plus timeline for appeals SEND Tribunal Process: Your Legal Rights ✓ TRIBUNAL CAN DECIDE: • EHC plan content • What provision must be specified • Which school named • Whether assessment must happen ✗ TRIBUNAL CANNOT DECIDE: • Day-to-day delivery • Staffing decisions • Complaints about past provision • Discrimination claims Appeal Timeline 2 MONTHS To appeal from LA decision 4-6 MONTHS Typical wait for tribunal hearing LA MUST COMPLY with tribunal decision Get help: SENDIASS, IPSEA, Contact, legal aid
Appeals can be successful – don’t be intimidated by the process

Post-Transition: Monitoring and Adjustment

The transition process doesn’t end when your child starts their new setting.

First Term Monitoring: What to Watch For Four monitoring areas and warning signs that require immediate action during first term after transition First Term Monitoring: What to Watch For ACADEMIC PROGRESS ✓ Meeting objectives? ✓ Accessing curriculum? SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL ✓ Making friends? ✓ Participating in activities? ✓ Anxiety levels? PRACTICAL MATTERS ✓ Support working? ✓ Environment suitable? STAFF ✓ Under- standing needs? ✓ Using strategies? 🚨 WARNING SIGNS – Act Quickly If You See: ✗ Not making expected progress • Curriculum too hard/easy ✗ Increased anxiety, challenging behavior, or withdrawal ✗ Social isolation or conflict with peers ✗ Frequent illness • Changes in eating/sleeping ✗ Reluctance to attend • Negative attitudes about school Early intervention is key – don’t wait for problems to escalate
Regular monitoring in first term allows quick adjustments if needed

Your Transition Action Plan

Ready to take control of your child’s transition? Here’s your step-by-step action plan.

📅 Immediate Actions (This Month)

If transitioning in September 2026:

  1. Contact current school: Confirm transition review meeting date
  2. Review current EHC plan: Identify areas needing update
  3. Research placement options: Create list of potential settings
  4. Gather evidence: Collect recent reports and assessments
  5. Contact SENDIASS: Get independent advice and support

✅ Pre-Meeting Checklist

Before your transition review meeting:

  • Current EHC plan reviewed and annotated
  • All recent reports and assessments gathered
  • Child’s views obtained and documented
  • Placement preferences researched and prioritized
  • Questions prepared for all attendees
  • Support person arranged if wanted
  • Recording device/note-taking materials ready
  • Follow-up actions template prepared

Looking Forward: Your Child’s Successful Future

SEN transitions can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are your child’s strongest advocate.

🌟 Remember This

Your child has already achieved so much and has great potential for the future.

A successful transition is one where:

  • Your child’s individual needs are understood and met
  • They feel valued, supported, and included in their new setting
  • They continue to make progress toward their personal goals
  • They develop confidence and independence appropriate to their level
  • They are prepared for their next steps in life

Trust in your knowledge of your child, advocate strongly for their needs, and celebrate every step forward.

Your child’s future is bright, and this transition is just one important step on their unique journey. You’ve got this.

Need Expert SEND Support?

Tutorful’s SEND specialists understand the complexity of transition planning and can provide targeted support for children with special educational needs. Whether you need help preparing for transition reviews, understanding placement options, or ensuring your child’s needs are properly met in their new setting, our experienced tutors and advisors provide the expertise and advocacy you need.

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