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School transport with an EHCP: your child’s rights
An EHCP doesn’t automatically mean free school transport, but many children with SEND are entitled to it. Here is who qualifies, what…
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The SEND Code of Practice explained for parents
The SEND Code of Practice is the rulebook councils, schools and health services in England must follow for special educational needs. Here…
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Appealing the school named in an EHCP
If the council names a school you didn’t ask for, or no school at all, you can appeal Section I. You don’t…
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Mediation before an EHCP appeal
Before most EHCP appeals you must contact a mediation adviser. You don’t have to go to mediation. Here is how it works…
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The SEND Tribunal explained
The SEND Tribunal is an independent court that hears EHCP appeals. Here is how it works, what happens at a hearing and…
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How to appeal an EHCP decision
You can appeal most EHCP decisions to the SEND Tribunal. Here is what you can appeal, the deadlines, and the steps to…
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Changing school with an EHCP (phase transfer)
When your child moves between key stages, the plan must name the new school by a fixed date: 15 February for most…
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EHCP annual reviews: what happens and the deadlines
Your child’s EHCP must be reviewed at least once every 12 months. Here is what happens at an annual review, how to…
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EHCP personal budgets explained
A personal budget gives you more say over how some of your child’s support is provided. Here is what it is, when…
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Naming a school in an EHCP: your rights explained
With an EHCP, you can ask for a particular school, and the council must usually name it. Here is how the law…
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How to check your draft EHCP, section by section
You have 15 days to comment on a draft EHCP. This is your best chance to get the plan right. Here is…
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What to do if the council refuses to assess for an EHCP
A refusal to assess is not the end. You can ask the council to think again, apply again later or appeal to…
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What happens in an EHC needs assessment?
Once the council agrees to assess, it must gather advice from you and from professionals. Here is who is involved, what happens…
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The EHCP timeline: the 20-week process week by week
From your request to the final plan should take no more than 20 weeks. Here is every legal deadline in order, the…
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Private assessments and reports for an EHCP
Do you need a private educational psychologist or therapist report for an EHCP? Usually not to start, but it can help, especially…
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Writing your parent views for an EHCP
Your views are part of the legal evidence for your child’s EHCP. Here is what to write, a simple structure to follow…
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Can you get an EHCP without a diagnosis?
Yes. The law is about your child’s needs, not a diagnosis. Here is why, and how to make a strong request while…
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EHCP criteria: does my child qualify for an assessment?
The legal test for an EHC needs assessment is lower than many councils suggest. Here is what the law actually says, who…
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How to apply for an EHCP: a step-by-step guide
You can ask the council to assess your child for an EHCP yourself. You don’t need the school to agree or a…
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EHCP funding and banding explained
Who pays for the support in an EHCP, what banding means, and why a funding band must never limit what your child…
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EHCPs for autism, ADHD and dyslexia
Can you get an EHCP for autism, ADHD or dyslexia? Yes, if your child needs more help than the school can normally…
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Example EHCP: what a good plan looks like
A worked example of a good EHCP for a made-up child, section by section, so you can compare it with your child’s…
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EHCP Section F: what it is and why it must be specific
Section F is the part of an EHCP the council must legally deliver. It should say exactly what support your child gets,…
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The sections of an EHCP, from A to K
Every EHCP has the same sections, from A to K. Here is what each one should say, and the three sections that…
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What does an EHCP entitle your child to?
An EHCP gives your child legally guaranteed support, the right to name a school and the right to appeal. Here is what…
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What is an EHCP? A plain-English guide for parents
An EHCP is a legal document that sets out your child’s special educational needs and the help they must get. Here is…
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