What a key stage transfer is, how to apply, and what happens after you apply
If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan you must apply through the Key Stage Transfer process and not through the standard school admissions application process. This helps us plan school places for children and young people with EHC plans and begin consultations with schools and settings as early as possible.
Children going through an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
If your child does not yet have a final EHC plan, you should apply for a school place through the usual school admissions process.
The Key Stage Transfer process is only for children and young people who already have a final EHC plan.
If your child receives a final EHC plan after you've submitted a school admissions application, we'll work with you to consider the appropriate next steps.
Apply by 31 October
- into Reception
- from Year 2 to Year 3 if they attend an infant school and will move to a junior school
- from Year 6 to Year 7
Young people moving into sixth form or further education should apply directly to their chosen school, sixth form or college.
If your child is still waiting for assessments or reviews
You should still submit your Key Stage Transfer application by 31 October if:
- your child is waiting for an appointment with a professional
- assessments or reports have not yet been completed
- you're waiting for advice from a service
- your child's Key Stage Transfer Annual Review has not yet taken place
- you've not yet received paperwork from a recent Annual Review
Submitting your application on time allows us to start the Key Stage Transfer process and begin consultations with schools and settings where appropriate.
If new information becomes available after you submit your application, you can send it to your SEND Officer so it can be considered as part of the process.
School and setting preference
We'll ask whether you'd like to tell us about your preferred school or setting for your child's next phase of education.
You only need to give a preference if:
- your child needs a new school or setting
- you would like your child to move to a different school or setting
If your child currently attends a school that includes the next phase of education and you'd like them to stay there, you do not need to provide a preference. This includes children attending a through-school, including an independent through-school, where the current placement continues into the next phase of education.
Types of school or setting you can request
You can tell us about a preference for:
- a Bristol mainstream school, including academies
- a mainstream school in another local authority area
- a Bristol special school
- a special school in another local authority area
- a non-maintained special school
- an independent special school approved under Section 41
You can request a specialist placement even if Section I of your child's current EHC plan names a mainstream school.
You can also tell us about a preference for a specialist school while changes to Section I of the EHC plan are being considered.
If you'd like us to consider a non-maintained special school or a Section 41 independent special school, you can include this as your preference.
Providing your preference
We ask for one preferred school or setting as part of the Key Stage Transfer process.
This is consistent with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. We as a Local Authority have a duty to consider and consult with your preferred school or setting, and we'll do so as part of the Key Stage Transfer process.
Giving a preference does not guarantee that a place will be agreed, but your preference will be carefully considered as part of the decision-making process.
Before choosing a school or setting, you may also wish to read about home to school travel support.
What happens after you apply
1. Key Stage Transfer Review
Your child's current school will review the progress they have made towards the outcomes in their EHC plan and consider whether any changes are needed before they move to their next phase of education.
2. Amendments to the EHC plan
We'll consider information from the review and send you an amendment notice explaining any proposed changes to the EHC plan.
3. Consultation with schools and settings
We'll consult with your preferred school or setting as part of the Key Stage Transfer process.
If your preferred school is maintained by another Local Authority, that authority will decide whether to offer your child a place.
4. Final EHC plan
We'll then issue a final EHC plan naming the school or setting for your child's next phase of education.
We'll include the name of your preferred school on your child's final EHC plan if:
- the school is suitable for the child or young person's age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs as set out in section B of their EHC plan
- their education can be supported without affecting other children's learning
- the benefits of the placement outweigh the cost to the council
- the setting has agreed they can meet your child's needs
The final plan will include any agreed amendments and the name of the school or setting for your child's next phase of education.
Final EHC plan deadlines
We'll issue final EHC plans by:
- 15 February for children transferring to Reception, Year 3 or Year 7
- 31 March for young people transferring into post-16 education
Printable guidance leaflet
We've created a printable pdf Key Stage Transfer information leaflet(263 KB) if you'd like to keep the guidance close at hand.
