Many parents find the EHCP process complex and daunting. From initial assessments to final plans, understanding each step and organising the necessary paperwork can be a significant challenge. We are here to simplify this for you.

EHCP Support and SEND Advocacy

Expert EHCP Support for Parents, Schools and Young People

Navigating the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process can feel overwhelming for families. Understanding your rights, gathering evidence, communicating with schools and local authorities, and challenging decisions can be complex and emotionally draining.

We provide independent EHCP advice and support to help parents make informed decisions and secure the provision their child needs to thrive.

With over 30 years of experience in mainstream, specialist and international education, our approach combines professional expertise with practical guidance.

Whether you are considering an EHCP application, preparing for an annual review, challenging a local authority decision or seeking independent advice, we are here to help.

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EHCP Needs Assessment Requests

Many families contact us because they believe their child requires more support than is currently being provided through SEN Support.

If a child or young person has significant and long-term special educational needs, it may be appropriate to request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment from the Local Authority.

We can support families by:

• Reviewing existing evidence

• Identifying strengths and areas of need

• Advising on the legal thresholds for assessment

• Supporting the preparation of parental submissions

• Reviewing school documentation

• Helping parents understand the EHCP process

Our aim is to help families present a clear picture of their child's needs and the impact those needs have on their education and daily life.

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EHCP Appeals and Disputes

Unfortunately, not every request for support is agreed by a Local Authority.

Families may find themselves facing decisions such as:

• Refusal to assess

• Refusal to issue an EHCP

• Inadequate provision within an EHCP

• Disagreements regarding educational placement

• Delays in statutory processes

We can help parents understand their options, review documentation and identify the strengths and weaknesses within a case.

Whilst we do not provide legal representation, we can help families prepare evidence, understand SEND law and navigate the process with greater confidence.

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SEND Tribunal Support

The SEND Tribunal exists to provide an independent route of appeal when families disagree with decisions made by a Local Authority.

Preparing for a tribunal can feel daunting. Parents often find themselves managing large amounts of paperwork and trying to understand complex legal terminology.

Our SEND Tribunal support may include:

• Reviewing case papers

• Analysing evidence

• Identifying gaps in provision

• Reviewing professional reports

• Supporting written submissions

• Advising on educational evidence

• Helping parents prepare for hearings

Our role is to ensure that families understand the process and can present their child's educational needs clearly and effectively.

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Annual Reviews

An EHCP is a legally binding document and must be reviewed at least annually.

Annual Reviews provide an opportunity to:

• Review progress towards outcomes

• Consider changing needs

• Evaluate current provision

• Request amendments to the EHCP

• Discuss future educational pathways

Many families attend Annual Reviews unsure of what to expect or what changes they can request.

We can help by:

• Reviewing existing EHCPs

• Identifying areas requiring amendment

• Advising on provision and outcomes

• Supporting parental contributions

• Helping families prepare for meetings

Our goal is to ensure that the EHCP continues to reflect the child's needs and supports meaningful progress.

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Draft EHCP Reviews

The quality of an EHCP can have a significant impact on the support a child receives.

Unfortunately, many draft EHCPs contain vague wording, unclear provision or outcomes that are difficult to measure.

We can undertake a detailed review of draft EHCPs and provide feedback on:

• Clarity of identified needs

• Quality of outcomes

• Specificity of provision

• Legal compliance

• Strengths and omissions within the document

Particular attention is given to ensuring that provision is detailed, quantified and specified wherever possible, reducing ambiguity and improving accountability.

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Independent SEND Advice

Families often tell us they simply need someone independent to help them understand the process.

Independent advice can be valuable when:

• Concerns have first been raised by school

• Parents are considering requesting an EHCP

• There is disagreement between home and school

• Progress has stalled despite interventions

• A diagnosis has recently been received

• Families are unsure of their rights

Our independent SEND advice service provides practical, impartial guidance based on current legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and extensive professional experience.

We believe informed parents are empowered parents.

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Why Choose The Support School?

The Support School provides independent EHCP support, SEND advocacy and educational consultancy to families across Liverpool, Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, North Wales, Ireland and throughout the UK via online consultations.

With more than 30 years of experience working in education, special educational needs and inclusion, we understand both the challenges families face and the systems they must navigate.

Our approach is:

✔ Independent

✔ Person-centred

✔ Practical

✔ Evidence-based

✔ Focused on positive outcomes

Whether you require EHCP application help, support with annual reviews, SEND tribunal guidance or independent SEND advice, we are committed to helping families understand their options and secure appropriate support for their children.

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Book an Initial EHCP Consultation

A 45-minute EHCP consultation is available for £60. Additional fees apply depending on the level of service required by the client following initial consultation.

This provides an opportunity to discuss your child's situation, review current concerns and identify the most appropriate next steps.

To arrange a consultation, please contact The Support School today.