The LA have started the transition process, but have said they don’t have time to get any new advice. The most recent educational psychologist report is nearly 5 years old and is no longer accurate. What can I do?

Every child or young person with a statement must undergo a full EHC needs assessment before they can obtain an EHC plan. There are no exceptions.

The LA can only rely on previous information (including advice which was provided for the statement) if:

• The advice is sufficient for the purpose of a EHC needs assessment;
• The author of the report agrees to it being used; and
• The parent or young person agrees to it being used.

Importantly, if you do not agree to any of the existing advice being used, the LA must seek new advice, regardless of how recent the advice is that they wish to rely on.

See IPSEA’s transition timeline for more detail on how the LA should carry out transition.