Not all parents know where to start when they suspect their child has additional needs. Some parents feel lost, unsure whether their concerns are valid, what schools should be doing, or how to begin the assessment process. Others worry that they don’t know the right questions to ask or how to challenge school responses.

At V.A.S.E.N, I offer a free 30-minute consultation where parents can:
✔ Discuss their concerns and gain clarity on their child’s potential needs.
✔ Confirm whether their suspicions are valid and what steps to take next.
✔ Understand school responsibilities under SEN Support and EHCP regulations.
✔ Ask key questions about assessments, interventions, and progress tracking.
✔ Receive practical advice on how to get their child’s needs assessed.

This service ensures that parents have a starting point—a space where they can ask questions, seek advice, and gain the confidence to advocate for their child effectively.

Many parents struggle to monitor their child’s progress and feel uncertain about whether their child is receiving the right support at SEN Support level. Schools may provide interventions, but parents are often left wondering how to track their child’s progress, what evidence to ask for, and when to request a review meeting. Some parents are unaware that they can request data on their child's progress, ask for adjustments in support, or even challenge the effectiveness of the interventions being provided.

At V.A.S.E.N, I offer Advisory Teacher Services to help parents understand how SEN Support should work, what evidence schools should provide, and when it may be time to escalate to an EHCP application.

✔ Understanding SEN Support – Clarifying what schools should be doing under the Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle.
✔ Monitoring Progress – Helping parents request and review school reports, intervention records, and progress data.
✔ Requesting Review Meetings – Supporting parents in asking for regular SEN reviews to assess whether support is working.
✔ Challenging Ineffective Support – Advising on how to ask for adjustments or additional interventions when needed.
✔ Knowing When to Escalate – Helping parents determine if their child needs an EHCP request or further assessment.

With V.A.S.E.N, parents gain the knowledge and confidence to monitor their child’s progress and ensure they receive the right support at every stage.

Many parents rely on schools to submit EHCP applications and are often unaware that they can apply themselves. They may not challenge schools when an application is not made, nor understand what is required, when to escalate from SEN Support to an EHCP, or how to navigate the system. Parents also may not realize that local authority case officers are overburdened, funding is stretched, and many other parents are just as frustrated with delays and refusals.

As an experienced EHCP Case Officer, I have processed EHCP requests across multiple local authorities in the UK, and one thing is clear—some parents need structured support to make their requests effectively. While I always recommend free services like SENDIASS, parents often say ....lack capacity to complete applications and instead provide only guidance.

At V.A.S.E.N, I help parents take proactive steps to submit a strong, well-evidenced application that clearly demonstrates their child's needs.

✔ Understanding the EHCP Process – Explaining parental rights and how to determine when to apply.
✔ Drafting & Submitting Requests – Helping parents write a clear, legally compliant request for an EHCP assessment.
✔ Gathering Evidence – Advising on medical, educational, and specialist reports to strengthen the application.
✔ Communicating with the Local Authority – Ensuring parents know how to respond to requests for information or challenges.
✔ Next Steps if Refused – Guiding parents on appealing a refusal and requesting mediation.

At V.A.S.E.N, my goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence to take control of the EHCP process and secure the right support for their child.

Not all parents can afford a solicitor when challenging a local authority’s decision regarding an EHCP assessment or provision. Many parents are also unaware that local authorities have legal duties and strict timescales they must follow—and if they fail to do so, they can be held accountable. At V.A.S.E.N, I help parents understand their rights, gather evidence, and present a strong case to challenge unlawful delays or refusals.

Parents often come to me when their child is out of school or struggling without the right support. Together, we go back through their story, reviewing emails, decision letters, phone call records, and communications with the school or local authority. We then document key failures, clarify their complaint, and outline the best course of action based on legal entitlements under the SEND Code of Practice.

✔ Understanding the Appeals & Complaints Process – Explaining the legal duties of local authorities and how to hold them accountable.
✔ Reviewing Evidence – Going through past decisions, emails, and communications to identify failures and breaches.
✔ Drafting Complaint Letters – Helping parents clearly explain their case and escalate issues to the Ombudsman or Tribunal.
✔ Clarifying Annual Review & EHCP Timelines – Ensuring parents know how to chase amendments and decisions within legal deadlines.
✔ Exploring Alternative Support – Informing parents about SENDIASS and other free services, while acknowledging barriers like long wait times.

Most local authorities have significant backlogs, leaving parents frustrated and unaware of how to push for action. My role is to empower parents with knowledge, provide structured support, and help them advocate effectively for their child’s educational needs.