This guidance outlines what typically happens when a child or young person moves to Norfolk, whether they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or not.

1. School Admissions in Norfolk (without an EHCP)

  • In Norfolk, state funded schools, academies and free schools all follow the same admissions arrangements.
  • Full, up to date admissions information is available on the Norfolk County Council website.

2. When the Child or Young Person Does Not Have an EHCP

For a child or young person without an EHCP, or who is currently undergoing an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment:

  1. Once a moving date is confirmed, parents/carers are expected to begin the school admissions process online.
  2. After an application is submitted, the Local Authority may take up to 15 school days to respond.
  3. If the child or young person was part‑way through an EHC Needs Assessment in their previous local authority:
    • The assessment will automatically stop when the family moves.
    • Norfolk’s EHCP team will then decide whether to continue the assessment, considering that the process had already started elsewhere.

3. When the Child or Young Person Has an EHCP

Transfer of the EHCP

  • When a family moves to a new local authority area, the previous authority must transfer the EHCP to Norfolk County Council.
  • Transfer normally occurs on the date of the move, provided the previous authority has at least 15 days’ notice.
  • Once transferred, Norfolk County Council becomes responsible for:
    • Reviewing the EHCP
    • Ensuring all special educational provision is delivered

Norfolk must notify parents/carers within six weeks of the transfer, confirming when the EHCP will next be reviewed.

Timescales for Review

The review must take place by whichever is later:

  • 12 months from when the plan was first issued or last reviewed by the previous authority, or
  • 3 months from the date Norfolk receives the transferred plan.

What Happens After the Review

Following the review, the Local Authority will decide whether to:

  1. Maintain the plan (leave it unchanged)
  2. Cease the plan
  3. Amend the plan

If the plan is maintained or ceased and the parents/carers disagree with the decision, they have the right to appeal.

If Amendments Are Needed

  • Parents/carers will receive a draft EHCP (which will not include a named school).
  • This draft should be checked carefully to ensure that all needs and required provision are recorded accurately.
  • Parents/carers can then tell the Local Authority their preferred educational placement.
  • When the final EHCP is issued, if parents/carers disagree with the named placement or the needs/provision specified, they again have the right to appeal.

4. Appeals for School Places (Without an EHCP)

If a school place is refused:

  • For academies, free schools, voluntary aided or foundation schools, the appeal form should be requested from the headteacher.
  • For community or voluntary controlled schools, the appeal form should be requested from the Norfolk County Council School Admissions Team.

5. Helpful Steps Before Moving

  • Explore the Norfolk Local Offer to understand SEND services and support available in the county.
  • Gather relevant SEND related documentation, such as:
    • Assessment reports
    • EHCPs or draft EHCPs
    • School reports
    • Recommendations from professionals
  • Use the Norfolk School Finder tool to look at local schools near the new home.
  • Begin preparing the child or young person for the transition to a new county and school.
  • Contact Norfolk SENDIASS and book a telephone appointment if information, guidance or support is needed.

Useful Contact

  • Norfolk EHCP SEN Operations Team: 01603 679183