School FAQ's - Lambeth
When should pupils & families start thinking of choices for the next stage of education?
We would encourage pupils to start looking at plans for moving settings towards the end of Year 9, for Post 16 and in year 12 for Post 19. This is so they can attend open days in the summer term in preparation for the following year.
How do pupils apply?
For Post 16 transfer we ask pupils to complete our online application form - (Choosing and moving schools with an EHC plan | Lambeth Council)
For Post 19 transfer, pupils' families will be sent a separate form to fill out to give their preferences.
The deadline for Post 16 and Post 19 preferences is 30th October. Families applying to independent schools or colleges will need to also apply directly to the placement.
Pupils moving to a college will also need to enrol at the college later on.
Annual Reviews
The annual reviews held in Year 10 and Year 12/13 (depending on transition year) are the reviews most likely used to consult potential placements. When completing these reviews please make them as detailed as possible and include any information you think may help a setting make a considered decision when responding to a consultation.
It is likely new outcomes should be reset at these reviews and please be sure to ask any involved professionals to contribute.
Post 16 education and Preparation for Adulthood should be considered and discussed at all Annual Reviews Year 9 and onward.
If you have any questions about the Annual Reviews process or need support with the Lambeth EHC Hub please contact AnnualReviews@lambeth.gov.uk
All Year 10 and 11 Annual Reviews must be submitted by the Autumn Term of Year 11 for Post 16 – it puts your students at a significant disadvantage if we are unable to consult on their behalf without up-to-date paperwork.
Consultations
The Local Authority must consult with parents/pupils’ choices, however in almost all cases we will also consult other settings we think may be appropriate either due to distance or type of setting. We appreciate schools’ capacity issues and the time it takes to respond to a consultation and try to minimize the number of unnecessary consultations sent, however if a parent requests you, we must consult.
If you would like an extension to any consultations, you must contact the Annual Reviews and Transitions team as soon as possible otherwise the response deadline will be the standard 15 days.
Almost all consultations are sent via the EHC Hub. When consulted, a notification email is sent to all users connected to the school notifying them that a Draft EHCP has been shared, and they are being consulted for a placement:
To respond, please log in to the EHC Hub, go to ‘Settings Cases’ and search using the Case ID given in the notification email. It will bring up the pupils' EHC Plan and have an option to select ‘…….’. This is where the Annual Review and any other supporting documents will be uploaded.
If you are not a Lambeth School and your admissions are manged by your Local Authority, we will also consult with them directly, via email.
We appreciate that it is often helpful for schools to meet with the student or visit them at their current setting, however please note this is not a requirement. If you require an extension in order to do this, please contact Lambeth SEN.
If we do not feel the response meets the criteria, disagree with the response or believe other information should be considered, the response will be challenged. Please note your response will be shared with parent if requested.
When will I find out what placement has been named in the EHC Plan?
Amended Final EHC Plans will be issued via the EHC Hub, by 31st March 2026 for Post 16 and Post 19.
In some cases, this may just name a type of setting, i.e. Mainstream or Specialist, whilst we continue to liaise with schools. If the student is continuing at their current setting, you may receive a staying on letter instead, detailing this arrangement.
Appeals
Decisions about education placements are made with due regard for parental preference and consideration of whether the setting can provide a suitable education which is compatible with the efficient use of resources and education of others. However, if unhappy, parents/students are given the right to appeal when the Amended Final EHCP is issued. If a student is appealing to have a school named, we may go back to that school for a more detailed explanation or further information.
