Review Around the EHCP Anniversary
Outside a phase transfer year, the Annual Review would normally follow the anniversary of the date the EHCP was first issued.
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EHCP Phase Transfers: How Do They Affect the Annual Review?
Parents often ask how an upcoming phase transfer affects the timing and purpose of their child’s EHCP Annual Review, particularly when they are trying to plan ahead for a change of school.
In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, explains how phase transfers change the usual Annual Review timetable and what parents should expect.
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Book on EventbriteHow Does a Phase Transfer Affect an EHCP Annual Review?
Beverley Watkins explains why the usual Annual Review timetable changes in a phase transfer year and why parents should start thinking about the next school placement well before the transfer itself.
Video by Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors.
The Usual Timing of an Annual Review
Beverley explains that an Annual Review should normally take place around the anniversary of when the EHCP was first issued.
For example, if a child’s EHCP was issued in May 2024, the first Annual Review would usually take place in May 2025, with the next one in May 2026.
The Review Is Brought Forward
Where a child is moving between stages of education, the Annual Review should happen earlier so placement and provision can be considered in good time.
What Changes When There Is a Phase Transfer?
Where a child is due to move between stages of education, such as from primary to secondary school, the Annual Review needs to be brought forward.
Beverley explains that in phase transfer years, the Annual Review should take place during the autumn term before the transfer. This allows decisions about placement and provision to be made in good time.
For a child in Year 6 transferring to secondary school, the Annual Review should take place before Christmas in Year 6, rather than waiting until the usual anniversary date later in the academic year.
Planning Ahead for School Placement
Beverley also explains that parents should be thinking about potential school placements earlier than the Annual Review itself.
In practice, this often means beginning to explore secondary school options during Year 5, so that by the time the Annual Review takes place in the autumn term of Year 6, parents have a clearer idea of the placement they are seeking.
1
Year 5
Begin exploring possible secondary school placements and considering which settings may be suitable.
2
Autumn Term of Year 6
The phase transfer Annual Review should take place before Christmas rather than waiting for the normal anniversary date.
3
Preparation for September
The earlier review allows placement and provision to be considered in good time for the move to secondary school.
Why This Timing Matters
Understanding how phase transfers affect the Annual Review process is important. If the review is not brought forward when required, this can lead to delays and uncertainty around school placement for the following September.
Support With Phase Transfers and Annual Reviews
Our Education Law team regularly supports parents and carers with phase transfers, Annual Reviews and school placement issues. This includes advising on timing, preparing for reviews and addressing concerns where the process is not followed correctly.
Need Help With a Phase Transfer or Annual Review?
If you would like advice about the timing of your child’s phase transfer Annual Review, preparing for the review or concerns about the school placement process, our specialist Education Law team can advise on the position and possible next steps.
Watch the Video and Get Support
The video, featuring Beverley Watkins answering this parent question, is available above and on our Education Law TikTok channel.
If you would like advice or support with a phase transfer or an EHCP Annual Review, 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.
Education Law TikTok
Our Education Law TikTok features short videos from the Watkins Solicitors Education Law team answering common questions about EHCPs, SEND provision, school placements, Annual Reviews and SEND Tribunal appeals.
Follow @watkinssolicitors.sen for practical explanations from our specialist team and to see our latest SEND and Education Law videos.