The DfE updated residential setting values for SEN2 reporting in late 2024. You need to review and update any existing residential settings before running your 2026 SEN2 report to ensure accurate data submission.
What changed
The residential setting values were updated in Synergy v24.3 (Late 2024) following CBDS RFC 1299.
OLD values (before v24.3)
38 to 51 weeks → A
52 weeks → B
NEW values (v24.3 onwards)
Up to 38 Weeks → A
39 to 52 Weeks → B
⚠️Important: You must update existing records from old to new values before running the 2026 SEN2 report.
Which children are affected
Review and update children who:
Have active EHC plans.
Are in residential special schools or colleges.
Currently have residential settings recorded using the old values.
Update residential settings
You need to update residential settings in two locations for each affected child.
Update attendance record
Open the child's record.
Click the Attendance tab.
Locate the SEN2 section.
Find the Residential Setting field.
Select the appropriate NEW value.
Up to 38 Weeks** - for placements up to 38 weeks per year
39 to 52 Weeks** - for placements between 39-52 weeks per year
Click Save
Click Assessment → EHCP Details → Placements.
Update the Residential Setting field to match the attendance record.
Click Save
📌Note: Both locations must use the same NEW value to ensure consistent SEN2 data.
Determine the correct value
Check the actual duration of the residential placement:
Up to 38 weeks per year → Select "Up to 38 Weeks"
39 to 52 weeks per year → Select "39 to 52 Weeks"
Not in residential placement → Select "Not Applicable"
🤓Tip: Shorter durations (under 38 weeks) do not need to be recorded.
Impact on SEN2 return
Residential settings appear in two places in the SEN2 XML:
Named Plans module (`<PlanRes>` tag)
Based on Primary rank placement from EHCP Details
Active Plans module (`<Res>` tag)
Based on highest rank placement from Attendance record
Both must use the NEW values for the 2026 collection.