How to Review a Draft EHCP Without Professional Help
Step-by-step guide to reviewing your child's draft EHCP yourself — Section F specificity test, weasel word checklist, and amendment letter strategy within the 15-day window.
Blog
All articles about England EHCP & SEN Blueprint.
Best EHCP Resource for Parents Who Can't Afford a SEND Caseworker
Practical options for parents in England who need EHCP help but can't afford £110-175/hour SEND caseworkers — from free services to self-advocacy toolkits.
Etsy SEND Planner vs EHCP Advocacy Toolkit: What Actually Helps at Meetings
Comparing Etsy SEND planners and binder templates with EHCP advocacy toolkits — which one actually changes outcomes at SEN meetings and draft EHCP reviews.
Alternatives to IPSEA and SENDIASS for EHCP Help in England
Beyond IPSEA factsheets and SENDIASS wait lists: every alternative for EHCP support in England including SOS!SEN, Special Needs Jungle, private advocates, and self-advocacy toolkits.
EHCP Toolkit vs Private SEND Consultant: Which Do You Actually Need?
Honest comparison of using a self-advocacy EHCP toolkit versus hiring a private SEND consultant at £110-175/hour, with guidance on when each option makes sense.
EHCP Examples: What Good and Bad Plans Actually Look Like
Most draft EHCPs contain vague, unenforceable language. See real examples of good vs bad EHCP wording and learn what to demand in your child's plan.
What Is SEN Support in England? The Graduated Approach Explained
SEN support in England is the first tier of help for children with special needs. Learn how the graduated approach works and what schools must provide.
What Is an EHCP? Education, Health and Care Plans Explained for Parents
What is an EHCP? A plain-English guide to Education, Health and Care Plans in England — what they cover, who qualifies, and how to get one.
The SEND Code of Practice Explained: What Parents Need to Know
What the SEND Code of Practice 2015 requires from schools and local authorities, how it links to the Children and Families Act 2014, and what it means for your child.
Special Educational Needs Rights in England: What Parents Are Legally Entitled To
Parents of children with special educational needs in England have specific legal rights. Here's what the law guarantees and how to exercise those rights.
SEN Support Not Working? What to Do When School Isn't Meeting Your Child's Needs
If your child's SEN support in England isn't working, you have specific legal options. Here's how to document the failure and escalate effectively.
SEN Support vs EHCP: What's the Difference in England?
SEN support and EHCPs are two different legal tiers in England. Learn the key differences, when to escalate, and what each level actually guarantees your child.
Reasonable Adjustments at School: What England Schools Must Provide for Autism and ADHD
England schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils. Learn what this means in practice for children with autism and ADHD.
School SEN Budget Explained: How the Notional SEN Budget Actually Works
The notional SEN budget funds school-level SEN support in England. Here's what it covers, how the £6,000 threshold works, and when the local authority must step in.
Local Authority SEN Responsibilities in England: What the LA Must Do
England's local authorities have specific legal duties for children with SEN. Learn what the LA is responsible for, what they cannot refuse, and when they have failed.
EHCP Resources for Parents: Checklists, Handbooks, and Toolkits Explained
The best EHCP resources for parents in England — from checklists to handbooks to toolkits — explained so you know what to use and when in the process.
The Equality Act 2010 and SEN: What Schools Must Do for Disabled Pupils
The Equality Act 2010 places legal duties on England schools that go beyond SEN law. Learn what schools must do and how to use it alongside SEND legislation.
EHCP Refused: What to Do When the Local Authority Says No
What your options are when a local authority refuses an EHCP assessment or declines to issue a plan — including how to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Assess Plan Do Review: How the APDR Cycle Works in England
The Assess Plan Do Review cycle is the legal framework for SEN support in England. Learn what each stage requires and how to use it to hold schools accountable.
SENCO Not Helping? What to Do When the School's SEN Lead Isn't Responding
If your child's SENCO isn't helping or isn't responding, you have other options. Here's what to do next when school-level SEN support stalls in England.
Provision Mapping in SEND: How to Use It to Hold Schools Accountable
What a SEND provision map is, what it should contain, how to request your child's provision map, and how to use it to evidence gaps in SEN Support.
SENCO Meeting Preparation: How to Talk to Your Child's SENCO Effectively
Going into a SENCO meeting unprepared costs you influence. Learn what to bring, what to ask, and how to talk to the SENCO to get real outcomes for your child.
Ordinarily Available Provision: What Schools Must Provide Without an EHCP
Ordinarily available provision defines what England schools must provide to SEN pupils as standard. Learn how to use it to hold schools accountable.
Home Education and EHCP in England: What Happens to Your Child's Plan
Home educating a child with an EHCP in England has serious legal implications. Learn the difference between elective home education and EOTAS and what the LA must fund.
EHCP Section F: Why Vague Wording Is Legally Unenforceable and How to Fix It
What EHCP Section F must contain under English law, examples of enforceable vs unenforceable wording, and how to challenge vague provision before the plan is finalised.
EHCP Sections Explained: What Each Part of the Plan Means
A clear breakdown of all EHCP sections from A to K — what each one contains, which sections are legally enforceable, and what to look for when reviewing your child's plan.
EHCP Phase Transfer: Deadlines, School Choices, and Your Rights
How EHCP phase transfers work when a child moves from primary to secondary school, the 15 February statutory deadline, and how to choose between mainstream and specialist placement.
EHCP Personal Budget: What It Is and How to Request One
What an EHCP personal budget is, who can request one, how direct payments work, and when a personal budget can give you more control over your child's provision.
EHCP Outcomes Examples: How to Write SMART Section E Goals
What EHCP outcomes should look like in Section E, examples of good versus weak outcome writing, and why getting outcomes right before the plan is finalised matters.
EHCP Parent Rights: What the Law Actually Guarantees You
A clear guide to parent rights in the EHCP process in England — from requesting assessments to choosing a school, challenging decisions, and enforcing the plan.
EHCP Meeting Preparation: How to Walk In Ready for Any Review or Assessment
How to prepare for EHCP meetings, annual reviews, and SENCO appointments — including what to bring, what questions to ask, and how to document the outcomes.
EHCP Letter Templates: What to Write and When to Write It
What letters you need to send at key points in the EHCP process, what each one should contain, and where to find legal-grade templates for EHCP assessment requests, complaints, and amendments.
EHCP Annual Review: What Happens, Your Rights, and How to Prepare
How the EHCP annual review process works, the legal deadlines local authorities must meet, and how to prepare so the review works in your child's favour.
EBSA: What Emotionally Based School Avoidance Is and How SEND Law Applies
What EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) is, how it connects to unmet SEND needs, and what legal routes are available through the EHCP framework.
SEND Tribunal: What It Is, When to Use It, and What to Expect
A parent's guide to the First-tier SEND Tribunal in England — what you can appeal, how the process works, and how to prepare a strong case.
The SENCO Role: What Your School's SEN Coordinator Must Do
What the SENCO role involves, what they are legally required to do, and how to work with your school's SENCO to support your child's needs.
SEN Support in Schools: What It Is, What Schools Must Do, and When It's Not Working
What SEN support in schools actually means, how the graduated response and assess-plan-do-review cycle works, and what to do when it isn't working.
How to Request an EHCP Assessment: The 20-Week Process Explained
Step-by-step guide to requesting an EHCP assessment in England, the 20-week statutory timeline, and what happens if the local authority refuses.
EHCP Mediation and Top-Up Funding: Dispute Resolution Without Going to Tribunal
How EHCP mediation works, when it is useful, what EHCP top-up funding is, and how funding disputes between schools and local authorities affect your child's provision.
Dyslexia and EHCPs: When Does Dyslexia Qualify for an EHCP in England?
Dyslexia can qualify for an EHCP in England if its impact is significant enough. Learn what the assessment looks for and how to make a strong case for your child.
How to Review a Draft EHCP: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
What to look for when you receive a draft EHCP, how to identify weak and unenforceable wording, and how to submit amendments before the plan is finalised.
SENDIASS and the Local Offer: Free SEND Support Services Explained
What SENDIASS does, how to contact your local service, and what the Local Offer should contain — plus an honest account of what these services can and cannot do.