30th January 2026 • My Family Our Needs

In our previous blog post taken from our new South East Guide to SEND, we covered EHCP reviews, ceasing decisions and transition assessments for ages 19-25. In this week’s content from the Guide, Liz Arriens-Troy shares her tips for transferring an EHCP to a new local authority (LA).

Our SEND Guide includes specific information and signposts to services and resources in the South East, however, this content is applicable to all areas in the UK.

Liz Arriens-Troy moved from Surrey to Devon with an EHCP in place; here’s what she would like to share with other parents.

As soon as you know you’re moving

Call the SEND team in your new LA, explain that an EHCP exists, and ask if they will honour the funding and provision. Take notes of the date, contact and content of the conversation. Start a spreadsheet listing all EHCP-related calls, emails and meetings and download important emails.

About a month before your move

Ask your EHCP Co-ordinator to phone the new SEND team to discuss funding and provision. Send the prospective new school a copy of the EHCP yourself. Ask all therapists to contact their equivalent in the new borough regarding referrals.

Just before your move

Confirm that the new SEND team in the new LA has spoken to the new school about funding and provision and when it will be in place.

A couple of days after your move

Ensure a transfer letter is sent from your previous LA with the EHCP, supporting documents and new school details. Record the date in your spreadsheet.

A week after your move

Check the plan has been transferred, therapy referrals made and find out the email for the new Co-ordinator and get in touch.

Six weeks after your move

Within six weeks, the new LA must inform you when they will receive the EHCP and whether they will make an EHCNA.

Read our last feature from Liz here.

---