EHCP Annual Reviews: Why Now Is a Critical Time to Check Dates, Deadlines and Outcome

(Especially for Phase Transfers – September 2026)

For many families, EHCP annual review season is approaching fast — and for others, it is already underway.This is particularly important if your child or young person is approaching a phase transfer, where strict legal deadlines apply and decisions can have long-term consequences.

Annual reviews are not just a formality. They are a statutory process, and when handled properly, they are one of the most important opportunities to secure the right support and placement for your child.

This blog explains:

• what an annual review is

• what to expect

• why the paperwork two weeks in advance matters

• why outcomes must be updated

• and why phase transfer deadlines for September 2026 override the usual annual review timetable

What Is an EHCP Annual Review?

Every child or young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) must have their plan reviewed at least once every 12 months.

The purpose of the annual review is to:

• check that the EHCP still accurately reflects your child’s needs

• review whether the provision in Section F is being delivered and effective

• review progress towards outcomes in Section E

• decide whether the EHCP should be maintained, amended, or ceased

This applies whether a child or young person is:

• in mainstream education

• specialist provision

• alternative provision

• educated other than at school

• or not currently attending full-time education

Annual reviews are required under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.

Why Annual Reviews Matter Even More in Phase Transfer Years

A phase transfer is when a child or young person moves between stages of education, for example:

• early years to primary

• infant to junior (e.g. Year 2 to Year 3)

• primary to secondary (Year 6 to Year 7)

• secondary school to post-16 education (Year 11 to college or sixth form)

• post-16 to another post-16 setting

In these years, the annual review directly informs:

• future placement decisions

• what is named in Section I of the EHCP

• whether provision needs to change

Most importantly, phase transfer years have fixed legal deadlines. These deadlines override the usual 12-month annual review cycle.

This means the local authority cannot delay simply because an annual review is “not due yet”.

Phase Transfer Deadlines for September 2026 (IPSEA-Confirmed)

For children and young people transferring in September 2026, IPSEA confirms the following statutory deadlines for issuing a final amended EHCP:

🔹 Secondary School → Post-16 (Year 11)

Deadline: 31 March 2026

This applies where a young person is moving from:

• secondary school to sixth form

• secondary school to college

• secondary school to other post-16 provision

By 31 March 2026, the local authority must have:

• completed the review

• consulted with the proposed post-16 placement

• and issued a final amended EHCP naming the placement

🔹 All Other Phase Transfers (Non-Post-16)

Deadline: 15 February 2026

This includes:

• early years to primary

• infant to junior (e.g. Year 2 to Year 3)

• primary to secondary (Year 6 to Year 7)

For a September 2026 start, the EHCP must be finalised by 15 February 2026.

🔹 Post-16 → Post-16 Transfers

Deadline: at least five months before the date of transfer

Where a young person is moving between post-16 settings or courses, the EHCP must be:

• reviewed

• amended

• and finalised

at least five months before the actual transfer date, not automatically by February or March.

Important: Phase Transfer Deadlines Override the Annual Review Anniversary

Although EHCPs must be reviewed every 12 months, in a phase transfer year:

• the phase transfer deadline takes priority

• the LA must still complete the review process in time

• delays cannot be justified by saying “the annual review isn’t due yet”

This is a very common area of misunderstanding — and families are often incorrectly reassured when they should be pressing for action.

The Two-Week Paperwork Rule: Why It Matters

Parents and carers should receive all reports and paperwork at least two weeks before the annual review meeting.

This includes:

• school reports

• professional advice

• updated assessments

• proposed outcomes or recommendations

This is essential for meaningful participation.

If paperwork arrives late — or on the day — you are entitled to:

• request the meeting is postponed

• ask for time to review documents properly

• challenge rushed decision-making

Annual reviews should not be conducted under pressure or without preparation.

What to Expect at an Annual Review Meeting

A lawful annual review should consider:

• academic progress

• social, emotional, sensory and physical needs

• whether provision is being delivered as written

• what is working and what is not

• progress towards outcomes

• whether needs have changed

• the views of the child or young person

• the views of parents or carers

The meeting should be child-centred, not driven by budgets or availability.

Why Outcomes Must Be Updated (Especially If They’ve Been Met)

One of the most common issues in EHCPs is outcomes that stay unchanged for years, even when they have clearly been achieved.

This is a serious problem.

If outcomes are met, they should be:

• formally closed

• replaced with new outcomes

• or updated to reflect the next stage of learning or independence

Outdated outcomes can:

• be used to justify reducing support

• fail to reflect emerging needs

• weaken the legal strength of the EHCP

EHCPs are meant to be living documents that grow with the child.

What Must Happen After the Annual Review

After the review meeting:

1. The school or setting sends the review report to the local authority

2. The local authority then has 4 weeks to decide whether to:

   • maintain the EHCP

   • amend it

   • or cease it

If amendments are proposed, families must receive:

• a draft amended EHCP

• the opportunity to comment

• a final amended EHCP once changes are agreed

Final Thoughts

Annual reviews — particularly in phase transfer years — are not routine paperwork exercises.

For children transferring in September 2026, being aware of:

• the correct legal deadlines

• The override of the annual review clock

• the importance of updated outcomes

• and the requirement for proper preparation

can make a critical difference to placement, provision, and your ability to challenge decisions.

If things feel rushed, delayed, or unclear, it is always better to question this early than try to undo decisions later.

I offer a FREE initial consultation if you would like to:

• ask questions

• sense-check where you are in the process

• understand what should be happening and when

If you need more structured support, you can also book an Annual Review Support Package, which can include:

• preparation ahead of the review meeting

• checking outcomes to ensure they are current, meaningful, and lawful

• reviewing any new reports or evidence

• helping you clearly raise concerns or request changes

• securing my attendance at the annual review meeting to support you

This support is designed to ensure your voice is heard, the paperwork is accurate, and your child’s EHCP reflects their current needs — especially in important phase transfer years.

You are very welcome to get in touch to talk things through.

Book now rebekah@independentsendehcp.co.uk

Or head to services page to book now