Phase Transfer Update – Including Year 7 Transitions

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in conversations about phase transfer across all transition points — with Year 7 transition forming a significant part of this.

Families have shared concerns about availability of specialist placements, uncertainty around decisions, and the advice circulating online about how to navigate the process. For many, this transition period feels particularly high stakes.

We pulled together the main themes we were hearing and shared them with the Local Area Partnership so there is a clear understanding of how phase transfer is currently being experienced by parent carers.

In response, Oxfordshire County Council has shared the following update:

“There has been a significant increase this year of requests for specialist placement at year 7 transition. We are expanding the number of specialist places for September 2026 and have further plans in place for expansions in 2027 and 2028, including specialist support into mainstream schools through resource bases and enhanced pathways, so that more children can remain in local provision that meets their needs.

We are aware of challenges finding enough suitable placements and have been working hard with our specialist providers to create additional places for September, and this work will continue after the phase transfer deadline. We recognise that it is difficult for families to manage transition phases when there are fewer options and are working on sufficiency of spaces and how we update families about new schools and pathways being developed.”

We know that for families currently in the middle of the process, longer-term expansion plans don’t remove the immediate anxiety. We are also aware that some families are experiencing difficulties with communication and are unsure who to contact or when they will receive updates. Clear, timely communication remains one of the biggest concerns being raised with us.

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If you are navigating a phase transfer right now:

• If you are unsure about next steps or have not received a response, continue to follow up with your caseworker and keep a record of contact.

• Seek independent advice from SENDIASS Oxfordshire if you need support understanding your options.

• Be cautious about informal advice online — every child’s situation is different.

We will continue to share what we are hearing from families and advocate for clearer, more consistent communication.

If you would like to share your experience, you can email us at feedback@oxpcf.org.uk or complete our feedback form here: https://bit.ly/OXPCF