Questions,answered

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document that sets out your child's needs (Section B) and the support the school must provide (Section F). Unlike ordinary SEN Support, the local authority is legally required to deliver what Section F says. It matters because it turns 'we'll try to help' into 'the law says this must happen'.

Yes — you don't need the school's agreement, and the school usually cannot refuse to pass on your request. The local authority must decide within six weeks. Many families make the request themselves, and it often carries more weight when it comes from the parent with evidence attached.

You can ask them to reconsider, go through mediation, or appeal to the SEND Tribunal within two months of the decision letter. A refusal is common at this stage, not a final answer — and it doesn't mean the evidence wasn't good enough. Bring your evidence trail and ask for reasons in writing.

This pattern is unfortunately common, especially for Black children, whose communication, emotional regulation or sensory needs are too often read as defiance. Ask the school in writing: what adjustments were in place, what assessment has been done, and what evidence supports the behaviour label. Our guide 'Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment' shows how to build this into your case.

No. You may bring an advocate, a friend or a family member — just tell the school in advance. Many parents find that having someone beside them changes how they are heard.

A school's duty to identify and support special educational needs is not a waiting list. If your child has identified needs, the school should be making adjustments now under the SEN Code of Practice, even without a diagnosis. Ask in writing what support is in place today, and keep a dated record of any deferral.

Send a short written summary of every meeting within 48 hours — 'here is what we agreed' — and ask for corrections within a stated time. If nobody replies, your notes stand as the record. This paper trail is the single strongest thing you can build.

Yes — we name that plainly. We help you document the pattern (records, comparisons, what was said and when), which is the basis for challenging both the school and, where needed, statutory services. We are not a legal firm, but we know how schools work and how to hold them to account.

It is an independent tribunal that hears appeals about SEND decisions — refused EHC needs assessments, refused EHCPs, and the contents of a plan. You don't need a lawyer to appeal; many families represent themselves, with evidence and a clear structure.

Usually two months from the date of the decision letter — the letter itself should say so. Deadlines are strict, so note the date as soon as the letter arrives and ask us for help straight away.

That fear keeps a lot of families quiet, and it is a real concern — but the appeal is against the local authority's decision, not your child's school. Many families resolve matters during the process without ever reaching the hearing. Your child's right to support is worth the process.

We help you organise the evidence, write your case in plain English, build a realistic picture of your child's needs, and prepare calmly for the day. We walk beside you — you stay in charge of every decision.

Our advocacy is free at the point of need. We believe money should never decide whether a child gets the support they're entitled to. Send an inquiry and we'll come back within one working day.

No — we are advocates, not a legal firm. We give practical guidance, help you build your case and attend meetings alongside you. Where a case needs a solicitor, we'll help you find and work with one.