Your Child’s Journey: From Mainstream School to an Independent Specialist School

New EHC Needs Assessment (if you’re starting from scratch)
• Within 6 weeks: the LA decides whether to assess.
• Within 20 weeks: the LA issues the final EHCP.
• You have 15 days to respond to the draft and choose a school.

Annual Reviews (when updating an existing EHCP)
• You can request a review early if a placement is breaking down.
• After the meeting, the LA tells you their decision within 4 weeks.
• If they change the plan, they send a draft.
• You have 15 days to comment and request a school.
• Lincolnshire aims to confirm the named school within about 4 weeks.

Consultations with Schools
• Schools usually reply to the LA within 15 days.
• This includes both local and independent specialist schools.

Panel Decisions (Lincolnshire)
• Panel discussions happen within the normal EHCP timelines (6‑week assess window / 4‑week review window).
• They decide whether to change the plan or consider a new placement.

Appeals
• Appeal within 2 months of the LA decision letter or 1 month after the mediation certificate, whichever is later.
• You don’t need mediation if your appeal is only about the school named (Section I).

Transport
Transport is not automatic, even if your child has an EHCP. You must apply for SEND school transport directly to Lincolnshire County Council.

How to apply for Transport
Apply online here: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-college-transport
You will need to choose, “Transport for children with special educational needs and disability (SEND)” from the options. 
If you need help with this form, you can reach out to your caseworker.

Who qualifies for transport?
Transport is only provided when:
- The named school in Section I is the nearest school that can meet need
- Your child lives over 2 miles (primary) or 3 miles (secondary)

What transport includes
A journey to school in the morning and home at the end of the school day only. After‑school clubs or therapies aren’t covered.