Message from SENMAS

As we begin the new academic year, please ensure your setting is meeting the statutory duties for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Below are key responsibilities and deadlines to support effective planning and transitions.

Communication Reminder

When emailing SENMAS please ensure the student’s year group is clearly marked in the subject line.

Phase Transfers

EHCPs must be reviewed amended in good time before a child moves between key phases of education. This allows for appropriate planning and, where needed, commissioning of support at the new setting.

Year 6 Transitions

The Stoke-on-Trent SENMAS Team requests that Year 6 Annual Reviews are completed and submitted by October half term.
This ensures:

• Timely EHCP amendments
• Identification of Year 7 placements
• Finalisation of EHCPs by the 15th February statutory deadline

Year 11 Transitions

All Year 11 Annual Reviews should take place during the autumn term, with paperwork submitted by 31st December 2025.
This supports:

• Timely EHCP updates
• Naming of post-16 placements by the 31st March 2026 deadline

Annual Reviews

In line with SEND legislation:

• The first review must be held within 12 months of the EHCP being finalised
• Subsequent reviews must occur annually.
• The Local Authority are happy to review children under the age of 5 every 12 months unless there has been a significant change in educational need.

Please submit completed review paperwork to SENMAS@stoke.gov.uk within 2 weeks of the meeting.

Preparation for Adulthood (PfA)

From Year 9 onwards, EHCPs must include Preparation for Adulthood.
At the Annual Review, please ensure updates to:

• Section B – Strengths and Needs
• Section E – Outcomes
• Section F – Provision

This applies to all Year 9 pupils and any Year 10+ pupils where PfA is not yet included.