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Dear Christine McInnes (Director of Education KCC),

We write to you on a matter that has been raised by Kent PACT families who are deeply concerned by Kent County Council’s (KCC’s) ongoing non-compliance with statutory duties regarding the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) phase transfer processes—particularly for post-16 transitions.

Recent data indicates that only 58% of post-16 EHCPs were finalised by the legal deadline of 31 March 2025. It is likely that this figure includes EHCPs finalised without a named placement, which adds further uncertainty and distress for young people and their families.

Further data from the KCC SEND Communications Hub reinforces these concerns. Between April 2023 and April 2025, the Hub received over 19,900 calls, with the most frequent topics being placements, EHC Needs Assessments (EHCNAs), annual reviews, and EHCPs:

• 68% of all enquiries related to placements
• 62% concerned EHCNAs, Annual Reviews, and EHCPs

This volume of concerns—especially during key transition stages (ages 4, 10–11, and 15–16)—underscores the significant anxiety and disruption families are experiencing. These transitions are legally recognised as critical periods that require timely and effective planning. The data clearly suggests that families are bearing the brunt of the Local Authority’s ongoing challenges in meeting its statutory responsibilities.

We would like to draw your attention to Regulation 18 of The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, which outlines the legal deadlines for EHCP reviews and amendments:

• Post-16 and 19 transfers: by 31 March in the year of transfer
• All other phase transfers: by 15 February
• Transfers between post-16 settings: at least five months before the transfer date

KCC published the following statement on various platforms, including the SEND Newsletter:

“On 31 March, young people with SEND across Kent found out which post-16 placements they have been offered for September 2025.
If you are a parent who applied through the phase transfer process, you will be sent an email explaining the options available for your child.”.

This statement, led families to expect communication from KCC, many did not and it was raised with Kent PACT as a matter of concern.

The current situation reflects not only a failure to meet key statutory deadlines but also a growing sense of frustration, concern, and discontent among families who rely on these services to support their children’s development and education.

In the interest of constructive engagement and meaningful improvement, we respectfully request that Kent County Council respond to the concerns of families by:

1. Acknowledging the current shortfalls in legal compliance and their impact;
2. Providing a clear and detailed action plan to address these issues;
3. Committing to improved transparency and accountability around EHCP timelines and processes;
4. Strengthening communication and support for families, particularly during transition periods;
5. Demonstrating how this year’s data and parental feedback will inform future service improvement and planning.

We additionally ask you to clarify the following:

• How many families did not receive an email or letter on 31 March 2025?
• How many families received placement communication that stated the “type” of placement rather than a named setting?
• Of the 42% of families who did not receive a named placement on 31 March, how many have now received placement confirmation.

This matter has serious implications for the education and wellbeing of some of Kent’s most vulnerable young people. As a partner organisation, we remain committed to supporting families and working collaboratively with the Local Authority and Health to ensure meaningful progress. However, the data and ongoing issues highlight the urgent need for both strategic and operational changes.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Kent PACT – Parents and Carers Together

Monday 2nd June, our Parent Wellbeing Course went live with the lead Trainer Sharleen. We have 8 amazing send parents and carers taking part, whom have already given such incredible feedback. We know that parenting — especially when supporting children and young people with additional needs — can be incredibly rewarding but also incredibly challenging at times. That’s why we’ve created this course: to focus on parents wellbeing, to offer helpful tools, and most importantly, to remind parents and carers that they are not alone.

During the course, our parents/carers will explore strategies to support their mental and emotional health, share some practical tips, and hear from people who understand the unique pressures parents face. We want everyone to leave this course feeling supported, encouraged, and with something meaningful they can carry forward into their daily life.

Kent PACT is investing in four Healthy Parent Carer facilitators. The Healthy Parent Carer course has been adapted from Dr Phil Hammond’s book ‘Staying Alive’ describing 5 Ways to Wellbeing. The wellbeing course is a fantastic opportunity for parents to equip themselves with this life skill to manage their mental health and overall wellbeing. Watch out for more information coming soon.