Children with special needs in Somerset are facing significant challenges as they transition from primary to secondary education due to a “dreadful backlog” in council assessments. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), designed to ensure these children receive continuous and appropriate support, are not being processed promptly, causing disruptions in their education journey.
EHCP phase transfers are critical moments when children move between schools, guaranteeing that their care and support needs are faithfully maintained. However, many Somerset children are entering secondary school without the necessary transition arrangements completed on time, according to Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, leader of the Conservative opposition group on Somerset Council.
Speaking at a recent council committee meeting, Rodrigues highlighted the issue: “We are all very aware of the dreadful backlog of initial EHCP needs assessments in Somerset – it’s so very much worse than in neighbouring areas.” He expressed concern over the timeliness of EHCP reviews for phase transfers and requested detailed data about the council’s performance over the past three years, including the number of reviews completed on time, delays experienced, and outstanding cases.
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Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for children, families, and education, acknowledged the problem, noting that fewer transfers had been completed in recent financial years. She reported an incremental increase in the volume of EHCP transfer reviews, particularly for Year 11 and post-16 students. While the council’s timeliness remained stable in 2023/24 and 2024/25, it declined in 2025/26.
Shearer assured that when transfers are processed, they are done more swiftly, but recognized that the number of outstanding phase transfers has risen in the current year. “It’s really important that we address this increasing demand and our capacity to meet demand, along with statutory compliance,” she said. The council is implementing urgent measures to ensure all phase transfers are completed by the end of the summer term.
Among the steps being taken are the introduction of additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) units at mainstream schools, such as the planned units at Court Fields School in Wellington, and the expansion of specialist schools across Somerset.
Rodrigues will soon receive a comprehensive statistical breakdown of EHCP transfer reviews for the past three school years. This data will be crucial in monitoring progress and ensuring that Somerset’s special needs children receive the timely support they deserve.