Disagree with the School Named in Section I of an EHCP? What Parents Should Do Next

Parents often contact us after receiving an amended Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for a phase transfer, particularly where Section I names a school they do not agree with. This can be especially stressful when deadlines are tight and a new academic year is approaching.

In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, answers a parent’s question about what to do if they disagree with the school named in Section I of an EHCP, and explains why acting quickly is so important.

@watkinssolicitors.sen If your child is due to move schools and you disagree with the school named in Section I of their EHCP, you are not alone and it is important to act quickly. In our latest Education Law TikTok video, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, answers a parent question about what to do if you disagree with the placement named in Section I during a phase transfer. Beverley explains why it is crucial to lodge an appeal as soon as possible, what else should be checked in the EHCP at the same time, and how delays can affect hearing dates and outcomes. This video is part of our Education Law TikTok channel, created to answer real questions from parents and carers navigating EHCPs, appeals and phase transfers. If you are concerned about the school named in your child’s EHCP, or you need advice on a phase transfer or appeal, our specialist Education Law team is here to help. You can contact us at educationdept@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or call 0117 939 0350 #SEN #Education #SEND ♬ original sound - Watkins Solicitors - SEND

Why Section I matters

Section I of an EHCP names the school or type of educational placement the local authority believes is appropriate for your child. If you disagree with the placement named, this is not something to delay. Beverley explains that parents should lodge an appeal to the SEND Tribunal as soon as possible.

Appeals relating to school placement are time sensitive, particularly for phase transfers. Tribunal waiting times are currently lengthy, often around 12 months, so any delay in lodging an appeal can significantly affect when your case is heard.

Looking beyond Section I

When appealing the school named in Section I, Beverley advises parents to also review other key parts of the EHCP carefully.

Section B sets out your child’s special educational needs, while Section F details the provision required to meet those needs. If these sections are not accurate, specific or detailed enough, it may be appropriate to appeal them at the same time.

Where relevant, parents may also want to consider whether their child requires support from social care. In some cases, an extended appeal can be made so that social care elements are considered alongside the education issues.

Why acting quickly makes a difference

Beverley explains that if parents receive an amended EHCP in the spring, for example in March, it is crucial to lodge an appeal without delay. This gives the best possible chance of securing an earlier Tribunal hearing date and avoiding prolonged uncertainty.

Delays can increase the risk of children and young people starting a new academic year without suitable provision or placement in place.

Support for parents navigating EHCP placement disputes

Disagreements about Section I can feel overwhelming, particularly when combined with tight timelines and unclear information from local authorities.

Our Education Law team supports parents and carers with:

• Appeals against school placements named in Section I
• Reviews of Sections B and F to ensure needs and provision are properly specified
• Extended appeals involving social care where appropriate
• Phase transfer disputes and SEND Tribunal appeals

We focus on clear advice, realistic timescales and practical next steps, helping families feel supported throughout the process.

Watch the video and get advice

The full video, featuring Beverley Watkins answering this parent question, is available on our Education Law TikTok channel.

If you disagree with the school named in your child’s EHCP, or you are unsure whether you should appeal, our specialist Education Law team is here to help.

You can contact us by emailing educationdept@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps.