Post 16 Transition with an EHCP

How places are allocated

Post 16 places are allocated in accordance with the Children and Family Act 2014. This requires that a decision is made after taking into account the student’s SEND, parental preference and the views of the placements requested.

The city council is required to comply with a student’s preference for a local college (GFE), sixth form and / or 16-19 Academy unless:

  • The placement is unsuitable to the student’s age, ability, aptitude or SEN or
  • The placement would be incompatible with the efficient education of the other young people with whom the student would be educated, or
  • With the efficient use of resources

The city council is required to consult the placement before naming it in Section I of the EHC Plan.

How the city council allocates places if there are more applications than places available

In cases where there are more applications for places than a Specialist Placement can accommodate, places will be allocated on the basis that:

  • The placement is able to meet the student’s SEND and priority is given to a Student in care (see definition below) where the placement is the most appropriate placement for their SEND

Definition of Looked After Children (in public care) or previously Looked After Children who were previously looked after but immediately after being looked after become subject to an
adoption, residence or special guardianship order. This includes any young person who is subject to a Full Care Order, an interim Care Order, accommodated under Section 2D0 of the Children Act 1989, is remanded or detained into local authority accommodation under Criminal Law or who has been placed for adoption.

  • Young people for whom this particular placement is the only placement that can meet their specific SEND
  • In the event that there are still places available they will be allocated to young people whose SEND can only be met in this type of provision and it is the nearest placement to their home address
  • Any further places will be allocated to young people whose needs can appropriately be met at this type of provision, with priority given to those who live closest

Notifying you of the allocated placement

A letter of intent, along with a Notice of Amendment, will be issued during the latter half of February informing the student and their parent/carer of the proposed school to be allocated. This will explain how to make representations to the local authority if they disagree with, or have any concerns about the proposed Post 16 placement before a final or amended final EHC Plan is issued.

The city council is required to issue a final or an amended final EHC Plan by 31 March of the current academic transfer year.

Appeals and amendments

Every young person, or their parent/carer on their behalf, will have an opportunity to speak to a local authority SENAR Officer who will work with them to find the best way forward and to resolve any issues.

The Officer’s name and contact details will be in the letter sent to you with the final EHC Plan. This letter will also contain details of the right of appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDisT).

Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

SENDIASS is provided by the city council, primarily to provide comprehensive, quality and impartial advice to parents/carers of young people with SEND on all aspects of education. SENDIASS will be able to advise you on how decisions are made in relation to transfer to Post 16 placements and how concerns can be raised by young people or their parent/carer regarding a proposed or allocated placement.

If you require further information you can contact SENDIASS:

  • Telephone: 0121 303 5004
  • Fax: 0121 464 3137
  • Email: SENDIASS@birmingham.gov.uk
  • Post: The POD, 28 Oliver St, Nechells, Birmingham B7 4NX

Visit the Travel help page for 16 to 18 year-old students