Special Educational Needs (SEN)

When your child is not receiving the support they need at school, the impact on daily life can be overwhelming. You may feel unsure about your options, frustrated with delays or decisions, and worried about what happens next.

Decisions made by schools, colleges and local authorities are not always lawful or reasonable, and it can feel difficult to challenge them alone. Our role is to help you understand how the law applies to your situation and to guide you through each stage with confidence and reassurance.

Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

A child with Special Educational Needs or a disability may find learning more difficult than their classmates. They may require additional support to make progress. If you have concerns about your child’s development or feel that their needs are not being met, it is important to seek advice early.

You can begin by speaking with your child’s teacher. They may consult the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator. If the school is unable to provide the level of support your child requires, you have the right to request an Education Health and Care assessment. This assessment identifies your child’s educational, health and social needs and determines the support required.

Local authorities must make a decision on whether to carry out an assessment within six weeks. If they refuse, you have the right to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. These processes can feel daunting, and our team is here to guide you through them with clarity and reassurance.

What to expect from an Education Health and Care Plan

An Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) sets out what support your child should receive and who is responsible for delivering it. It should be written in clear, accessible language and reviewed regularly. For young people over year nine, it should also include planning for adulthood and independent living.

We help families ensure their plans are accurate, thorough and properly implemented. Where a plan is not being followed, or provisions are not being delivered, we can take action to enforce compliance.

How can we support you?

We understand the challenges you may be facing, and work alongside you with care, knowledge and clarity to secure the right educational support for your child.

We have extensive experience helping parents, carers and young people navigate complex SEN matters across England and Wales. We provide practical guidance, anticipate the steps ahead and focus on achieving the outcome your child deserves.

We can assist with:

• Requesting or challenging an EHCP needs assessment
• Appealing a refusal to assess your child for special needs support
• Advice and support throughout the annual review process
• Representation at the SEND Tribunal
• Issues with school transport for students with additional needs
• Disability discrimination concerns
• Safeguarding concerns for children with special educational needs
• Accessing the right educational support for your child
• Liaising with the local authority to secure appropriate provision
• Ensuring EHCP compliance, including taking action through judicial review where required
• Claims against schools or local authorities
• Support with direct payments for your child’s education.

Our approach is proactive, practical and solution focused. We aim to resolve disputes constructively and maintain positive relationships where possible, while protecting your child’s rights at every step.

We bring extensive knowledge, foresight and practical insight to every case. We listen carefully to your concerns, explain your options clearly and support you throughout your journey.

Our focus is always on securing the best educational outcome for your child. We work in a compassionate and considered way while maintaining the highest professional standards. Your child’s welfare is a priority for us.

We offer a fixed fee consultation with a SEN solicitor so you can receive clear, direct advice from the start.