What should I expect next after naming secondary school preferences?

[ElizabethVereker]

My 10 year old has just started in year 6. They attend an independent special school and we have updated, and are happy with, the EHCP. Back in June we were asked by our LA to name our three preferences for secondary school. I did this and have listed a mix of independent mainstreams and specialist schools that could meet need. What should I expect now in terms of next steps? I suspect the LA will consult with completely inappropriate schools which they consider cheaper. I don't want to drop the ball on this as I've worked so hard to get to this point. Should I ask the LA if they have consulted yet? My fear I suppose is that they don't consult with the schools that I have preferenced. Thanks for advice on this.

What should happen is that a phase transfer review should be held in the autumn term of Y6. The AR process should be as follows:

1. Updated advice and information must be circulated at least 2 weeks prior to the AR meeting.
2. Then you have the AR meeting.
3. Within 2 weeks of the AR meeting, a report must be circulated.
4. Within 4 weeks of the AR meeting, the LA must send you the amendment notice/draft/notice of amendment/proposed amendments (whatever the LA/you want to call it) and you must be given at least 15 days to comment on the amendments and state your preferred placement.
5. Then the LA must finalise within 8 weeks of sending the proposed amendments.
6. For secondary phase transfers, they must also finalise by 15th Feb 2027.

Unfortunately, LAs often act unlawfully. Some try to use the Y5 AR as the phase transfer review. Some, like you LA, ask parents to complete a separate form. Some try to insist parents list multiple preferences. You didn’t have to complete the form, you don’t have to list multiple preferences. When people do use the form, legally, they can still change their mind when responding after the AR meeting.

If you haven’t already, it is worth speaking to the schools you have said are your preference, any others you suspect the LA may consult and your closest state mainstream to ensure they have an accurate picture. This is because LA consults often give an incomplete &/or inaccurate picture.

Have you spoken to the schools do you know if the wholly independent schools are willing to offer a place?

Thank you @roaringdragon this is very helpful. It sounds like our LA have put us through steps 1-5 already. Can I request another AR between LA, me and Senco still for the autumn term of year 6 despite this?

In terms of the consultations what evidence does LA use other than the EHCP? And are they legally allowed to share the private data of an EHCP with a school that I haven't requested?

All our preferences are wholly independent and our child is in the waiting list for one of them.

I will contact all the others locally too - thank you that is a good idea.

Yes, you can and should request a phase transfer EHCP this term. Often consults don’t include information other than the EHCP/amendment notice. The LA can share information to consult with schools regardless of whether the school is your preference or not.

Thanks @roaringdragon I'll get on the case again...