Received a Late Amended EHCP for a September Phase Transfer? Already Appealed? What Happens Next

Parents often contact us feeling after receiving a late amended Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), particularly where a phase transfer for September is approaching and an appeal has already been lodged.

In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, answers a parent’s question about exactly this situation and explains the practical steps parents can take next.

@watkinssolicitors.sen We are pleased to share that our Education Law TikTok channel is now live! In this first video, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, answers a parent question about late amended EHCPs for September 2025 phase transfer, and what to do if you have already lodged an appeal. In this video, Beverley explains the options available and the steps parents can take next. Questions are read by Sophia Beekmann, Family and Education Solicitor. This channel is here to support SEND parents by answering real questions from parents and carers who are trying to navigate the SEND system, which can often feel overwhelming. Watkins Solicitors are rated number one in the UK on Review Solicitors for Education Law, based on independent client feedback. This reflects our expert Education team’s work supporting families with EHCP assessments, amendments, appeals, phase transfers and related education law issues. If you have a question you would like us to answer, or you need support with an EHCP, you can contact our Education Law team at educationdept@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or call 0117 939 0350 #WatkinsSolicitors @Watkins Solicitors ♬ original sound - Watkins Solicitors - SEND

Why timing matters for phase transfer appeals

Beverley explains that the SEND Tribunal usually aims to deal with phase transfer appeals during May, June and July. These months are particularly busy, which is why it is so important to lodge an appeal as early as possible where there are concerns about a proposed placement or provision.

Tribunal hearing dates can fill up quickly. It is also very rare for hearings to take place during August, as local authorities and schools are often on holiday.

This can leave families in a very difficult position, with some children and young people facing the prospect of having no confirmed education placement for September.

What if your appeal hearing is scheduled too late?

If you have already lodged an appeal and your hearing date is listed much later than expected, for example well into 2026, Beverley explains that parents can ask the Tribunal to bring the hearing date forward.

This can be particularly important where delays risk leaving a child without suitable education at the start of a new academic year. While there are no guarantees, making a request to the Tribunal can sometimes help ensure issues are considered sooner.

Support for parents navigating EHCP appeals and phase transfers

Late amended EHCPs and delayed appeal timetables can create significant uncertainty for families at an already stressful time.

Our Education Law team supports parents and carers with:

• EHCP assessments and refusals
• Late or amended EHCPs
• Phase transfer disputes
• SEND Tribunal appeals
• Situations where provision or placement is unclear or not in place

We focus on giving clear advice about options, timescales and next steps, so parents feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Watch the video and get support

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

If you are dealing with a late amended EHCP, an appeal that feels delayed, or concerns about a September phase transfer, 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.