Phase Transfer Deadlines – What Parents Need to Know

If your child is transitioning from Primary to Secondary school for September 2025, this is your reminder to make sure the Local Authority issues you with an Amended Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) by 15 February 2025. This will need to name placement for September 2025.

If your young person is transitioning from Secondary to Post-16 for September 2025, this is your reminder to make sure the Local Authority issues you with an Amended Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) by 31 March 2025. This will need to name placement for September 2025.

In order to comply with this deadline your annual review should have already been held. If you have not already had an annual review and your child is in the phase transfer period above, please do get in touch for specialist individualised advice.

Do note, the Local Authority issues an EHC plan naming type only is not sufficient. Please do get in touch as you are likely to need an appeal to be lodged.

Our takeaway: it is vital to act quickly—many Local Authority’s fail to meet their legal obligations, often leaving children without a school placement for September. Whilst the SEND tribunal is holding appeal dates back, these will be taken quickly.

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Amended EHCP

If you have not received your updated EHCP by 15 February 2025, contact our specialist Education Law solicitors immediately. We can:

 - Chase the local authority on your behalf to ensure they fulfil their legal obligations.
 - Challenge unlawful delays through legal action if necessary.

What to do if you have received an Amended EHCP but:

• It only names type
• Does not name the setting you had requested.

Get in touch ASAP, you will need to ensure an appeal is lodged swiftly and ensure that you are assisted to ensure the SEND tribunal allocates a final hearing date prior to September 2025.

The key here is DO NOT DELAY! info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk /  0117 939 0350

How Watkins Solicitors Can Help

At Watkins Solicitors, we are committed to providing expert legal support to families navigating the complexities of EHCPs and SEND law. Our clients trust us to fight for their children's educational rights, ensuring they receive the support they are legally entitled to. Read what some of our clients have said about their experience with our Education Law team here: www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk/avon/bristol/watkins-solicitors-incorporating-brain-sinnott-co-192-north-street 

Watkins Solicitors is a nationally recognised leader in Education Law, regularly ranked among the top firms for representing families in SEND-related matters. Our dedicated team has successfully helped thousands of parents secure the right support for their children, challenge unlawful delays, and hold local authorities accountable.

Watkins Solicitors Education Department is a collaborative department with all members of the team as qualified solicitors. Watkins Solicitors has a combined judicial review department allowing us to provide a full package of support from managing any delays, to advising and assisting with lodging appeals. Watkins Solicitors have a track record of securing early hearing dates and resolving issues around phase transfers.

With over 30 years of experience in EHCP appeals, Judicial Reviews, and SEND tribunal cases, we offer clear, practical advice to ensure your child obtains the educational support they are legally entitled to.

Need urgent help? Remember don’t wait—contact our team today to discuss your options and take action before it’s too late. info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk /  0117 939 0350