When you are trying to secure the right support for your child, it can be hard to know what to say, what evidence to collect or what should happen next. We are EHCP4Kids, your SEND advocate. We help you understand the process, prepare clearly and make sure your concerns and your child’s views are heard.

You do not have to manage everything alone. EHCP4Kids offers approachable, family-focused SEND advocacy at important stages of the EHCP journey.

How We Support You as Your SEND Advocate

At EHCP4Kids, our SEND advocacy is practical and personal. We help you understand letters and decisions, organise reports and school records, identify the points you want to raise and prepare for conversations with schools, local authorities and other professionals. We explain information in plain English and keep the focus on your child or young person.

SEND Advocacy Service

·      Annual review advocacy - preparation, document checks, support at the meeting and help setting out requested amendments.

·      School meeting support - as your SEND advocate, we help you prepare questions, explain your concerns and keep the discussion focused and constructive.

·      EHCP checks and reviews -support looking at needs, outcomes, provision and placement, including Sections B, F and I where relevant.

·      SEND Tribunal support - help understanding the appeal process, organising evidence, preparing documents and, where agreed, representation.

Clear Support at Every Stage

1.         Tell us what is happening - We listen to your concerns, your child’s needs and what has happened so far.

2.         Understand your option - We explain the relevant process in plain English and help you decide on practical next steps.

3.         Prepare with confidence - We help you organise key documents, evidence, questions and requested outcomes.

4.         Be supported - Where agreed, we support you in meetings, reviews or Tribunal proceedings.

Understanding the EHCP and SEND Framework

The Children and Families Act 2014 provides the legal framework for Education, Health and Care needs assessments and plans in England. The SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years is statutory guidance for organisations including local authorities, schools, colleges and certain health bodies. It emphasises participation, clear outcomes and joined-up work across education, health and care. As your SEND advocate, we help you understand how this framework relates to your situation, but information on this page is general and is not legal advice.

Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment

A parent, carer, young person, school or other professional can ask the local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment. A well-prepared request should explain the child’s special educational needs, the difficulties they experience in education and why the support currently available may not be sufficient. Useful evidence can include school records, professional reports, examples of progress or lack of progress, attendance information and details of the strategies or interventions already used. EHCP4Kids can help families organise this information and present the request clearly.

Assessment, Draft Plan and Consultation

If the local authority agrees to assess, it gathers advice about the child’s education, health and care needs. Families should check that the evidence accurately describes the child and identifies the support required. If a draft EHCP is issued, it is important to review each section carefully. Section B should clearly set out all identified special educational needs, while Section F should specify the special educational provision required to meet those needs. Families can also express a preference for an educational placement. We support parents with draft checks, proposed amendments and clear responses to the local authority.

Annual Reviews and Changes to the Plan

An EHCP should remain a useful, current document. At an annual review, the family, school and relevant professionals consider progress, outcomes, needs, provision and placement. Preparing in advance helps parents identify what is working, what has changed and which amendments may be needed. EHCP4Kids can review documents, help formulate questions and requested changes, and provide support during the meeting. If the local authority later decides to maintain, amend or cease the plan, the written decision and any deadlines should be checked carefully.

SEND35 and SEND35A Appeal Forms

The form you use depends on the decision you want to appeal. SEND35A is used to appeal a local authority’s refusal to secure an EHC needs assessment. SEND35 is used for certain other EHC plan appeals, including a refusal to issue a plan, a refusal to reassess, disagreements about relevant parts of a plan, or a decision that a plan is no longer necessary. Current forms and online appeal options are available on GOV.UK. As your SEND advocate, we help you identify the issues, organise supporting evidence and present your case clearly. Appeal deadlines can apply, so check the decision letter and current official guidance promptly.

Why Choose EHCP4Kids? Experienced SEND Advocacy Supporting Hundreds of Parents

Friendly SEND Advocacy, Centred on Your Child

We know that families often come to us after a long and tiring journey. Our role is to listen, make complicated information easier to understand and help you feel prepared. We work calmly and respectfully, with attention to your child’s strengths, needs, views and desired outcomes.

Speak to a SEND Advocate

If you would like our SEND advocacy for an annual review, school meeting, EHCP review or Tribunal appeal, contact us at EHCP4Kids. Tell us briefly what has happened so far, what support you need and whether you have a decision letter or deadline. We will help you understand the next practical step.