Moving with a SEN child with an EHCP

[StressedMumma89]

Hi, I currently live in Wandsworth and I am contemplating moving to Fulham- it’s super close but it’s Hammersmith and & Fulham Council. Just looking for anyone’s experience of moving boroughs with a child with an EHCP. He’s currently in year 5, and we’re about to name secondary schools. It seems like a total headache from what I’ve read online - and there’s a chance they won’t name the current school (for example if it’s private). My son is currently in a mainstream but I have been considering specialist. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Have you had the AR for transition?

When you move LA with an EHCP, the new LA becomes responsible for the EHCP on transfer. The EHCP transfers on the day you move or within 15 working days of the LA becoming aware if that is later. This includes funding the placement in F if attending is still practical.

However, within 6 weeks of the date of the transfer, the LA must inform you when they will review the EHCP and if they plan to undertake a reassessment of needs. The new LA will then review the EHCP within 12 months of the previous AR or 3 months from the date of the transfer, whichever is the later. As part of the review process, the LA may propose to amend or even propose to cease to maintain. You would have the right of appeal, but it is something you need to be aware of. There is no guarantee the existing placement will continue to be named.

As an aside, you do not have to state your secondary preference yet even if that is what the LA is telling you. And you do not have to complete a set admission form. A phase transfer review meeting should be held in the autumn term of Y6. Following the review meeting, you will be sent proposed amendments within 4 weeks of the meeting. At this point, you can state your preferred placement.

If you are going to move, I would move before phase transfer.

Thanks for the replies. We have just had the year 5AR and I’ve been told to select my schools now as I need to name them as early as possible. Most of the review and future aims were written with year 7 in mind.

Thank you for the information regarding the phased transfer review (and not needing to name a school at this moment, I’ve found it all very overwhelming!) I wasn’t even aware of this. I will try to sort the move ASAP.

Have you moved with an EHCP and if so was it a positive experience? I feel like it’s almost easier to stay put in some respects.

It will help you to read IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites so you understand the actual law rather than your LA’s unlawful version.

Some people have a positive experience when moving with an EHCP. Some do but only following an appeal. Some don’t. I know cases in all 3 groups.