Child or young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Choosing a placement
The social worker involved with the child in care should consult with the virtual school education advisor, education officer or placement officer, when a new educational setting is required in Birmingham, or in another local authority.
If social workers are unsure how to obtain a school placement in relation to children in care, they should talk to the virtual school placement officer.
The virtual school placement officer will liaise with the local authority (LA) special educational needs and disability (SEND) team where the child in care lives.
The virtual school placement officer will support the social worker to provide a list of appropriate school settings that may be able to meet the child's / young person’s needs.
The LA SEND team will be responsible for:
- the final decision
- naming of the school placement in section I of the Education Health Care Plan
Transition Personal Education Plan (PEP)
Before a move, where possible, a transition PEP should be completed.
The social worker should obtain the views of the child or young person and record them on the PEP.
The information will then be ready to update the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with current paperwork and choice of school.
For more information about EHCPs, visit Birmingham's SEND Local Offer website.
Page last updated: 6 February 2026
