Update on EHCP Casework Team consultation process review
The EHCP Casework Team has completed a review of the mainstream school consultation process for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The review is designed to improve consistency, reduce administrative burden, and support equitable and timely placement decisions.
What is changing?
The EHCP Casework Team will now move to a process where, in the majority of mainstream consultations, only one setting will be consulted.
This will usually be:
- Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs): the current setting where the child or young person is on roll, where applicable.
- Phase Transfers: the nearest mainstream setting.
- In-year Transfers: the nearest mainstream setting.
- Annual Reviews: the current setting.
Further consultations may still be issued in specific circumstances, including:
- parental preference
- transport eligibility requirements
- appeals
Consultation responses
A new standard process has also been introduced for considering school consultation responses. This is intended to support constructive dialogue with settings and help ensure that concerns are addressed wherever possible.
Summer consultations
The approach to summer exemptions has also been reviewed.
While summer exemptions will continue not to be applied:
- consultations will be monitored throughout the summer period
- additional time will be allowed where possible
- concerns raised by schools will be discussed with settings during September
Next steps
Further guidance documents will be developed for both officers and settings, alongside additional training and clear information for parents and carers.
The revised consultation process will be reviewed after six months, taking account of stakeholder feedback.
A full summary of the consultation process is attached for reference.