• Around Easter time, (1 year and 1 term before transfer) a letter is sent to families seeking preferences.

• Year 5 Annual Reviews take place in their primary schools during the summer term at the latest (some during Spring) and sent into SENAT. It may be appropriate to signpost parents or carers to the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS).

• During the Summer holidays, SENAT collate preferences and begin amending EHCPs.

• In the autumn term, consultations with schools begin and the issuing of draft EHCPs start.  Governor consultation covering letters will indicate whether the family have made a preference for the school. For example, the covering letter will say something like ‘X’s parent has expressed a preference to join your school’ or ‘We are consulting about a place in your school’.  SENAT do not ask for 3 preferences like admissions, just for one, with the option of adding more if parents would like to or parents can make a ‘case’ for their preference.

• Across the autumn term, responses to consultations are collated, any feedback on draft EHCPs is collated/acted upon and from January SENAT starts issuing finals/confirming placements.  The deadline is February 15^th for all Year 7 places to be named/finals issued.