Does your child have complex special educational needs that require assessment for an E.H.C.P. (Education, Health and Care Plan) application?​

Is your child's E.H.C. Plan fit for purpose?

We offer total commitment and a range of experience in education and related law - in Early Years, Primary and Secondary Phases (in England)- with wide expertise in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs across a variety of settings. Services include supporting families around many aspects of special educational need (SEN) such as applications for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), appeals to SEND Tribunal, advising on pupils' SEN and practicalities for an EHCP Annual Review Meeting, and more. Please see our Guide to Services.

Despite February 2026's proposed SEND Reforms - entitled "SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First"- and Education White Paper ("Every Child Achieving and Thriving"), it is still possible to apply for an EHC Needs Assessment. The Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015, for instance, are still applicable in nurseries and schools (England).

If an appeal to SEND Tribunal about an EHCP is necessary, we aim to settle matters before a Tribunal Hearing and have a high success rate of so doing - through carefully prepared appeals and appropriate evidence - providing services such as that of the Parent Representative. Securing a specialist school placement or different placement is often achieved without needing to attend the day of a Tribunal Appeal Hearing, in most cases. 

When offering independent advice for parents, we focus to meet pupils' learning needs and advise on strategies for termly school SEN planning, such as Individual Educational Plans, as well as in seeking Education, Health and Care Plans - for progress and lifelong learning. 

Securing an E.H.C.Plan, step by step:

We work to draft applications for an EHCP from scratch - with and for families - making best use of expert reports, other evidence and often supporting the whole process throughout.

This is usually a demanding period for families as although EHC Plans are intended to be secured within 20 weeks, where required, the process often takes much longer. So we take pride in the friendly, supportive working relationship which we develop over time. This usually includes liaising closely with schools, local authorities and a significant number of experts such as therapists, clinicians and educational psychologists - to secure best outcomes for pupils.

Unhappy with your child's E.H.C. Plan?

We enable parents to appeal against a local authority's Refusal to Issue an E.H.C.P. and appeal for changes to be made to a newly issued EHC Plan (via SENDIST Tribunal) or older EHCP. As each child's case is unique, we will consider options and help provide both clarity and informed choices, for your child's "next steps." 

A Sample of Services:

• advocacy: listening and acting upon parental concerns for pupils, when advising for Special Educational Needs and disabilties: establishing a secure, clear understanding of barriers to learning with valuable expert reports

• representing Parents at SEND tribunal hearings or at a Mediation Meeting with local authorities

• advising and representing families' wishes on options, to support school EHCP Annual Review Meetings, or in drafting school Individual Learning Plans and at other school meetings

• reviewing current Education, Health and Care Plans, in light of changing needs or circumstances such as family relocation and transfer needs

• supporting parents in appeals to the S.E.N.D.Tribunal for Education, Health and Care Plans

• providing expertise in helping parents to work fruitfully with schools in a Way Forward Meeting 

• Services and specialists such as educational psychologists and CAMHS 

• S.E.N. consultancy and advisory roles in nurseries and schools for pupils of 2-19 years old

Together, we offer over thirty years' experience in education. As a former Headteacher of three prep schools and Deputy Headteacher of two local authority primary schools as well as former SEND Adviser, Jeannette is able to share expertise and provide support for families and pupils of all ages - Nursery to Sixth Form - in local authority and independent schools, as well as special school settings. Daniel has supported pupils with complex needs in terms of their social, emotional and mental health (specialist secondary school) and a wide range of needs across the Primary Phase.

Jeannette has 30+ years' experience in Education and holds the Advanced Diploma in Teaching Children with Specific Learning Difficulties. Daniel holds the Master of Laws (LLM) and a Legal Practice Certificate, previously working across various legal sectors including tribunals as well as in primary (mainstream) and secondary schools (specialist).

Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bracknell Forest, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, Bromley, Cambridge, Camden, East Sussex, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hampshire, Haringey, Kensington & Chelsea, Kent, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Lambeth, Lancashire, Leeds, Lewisham, Liverpool, Medway, Merton, Northampton, Richmond, Southend, Southwark, Surrey, Wandsworth, Westminster and West Sussex.

A SAMPLE PARENTAL RECOMMENDATION:

"After many years trying to get our son's needs properly recognised and supported in school, meeting Jeannette was a turning point for our family. She immediately understood the complexities of supporting a bright child with educational needs and took the time to understand him. Her knowledge of SEND law, the EHCP process and specialist provision our son needs was invaluable, helping us navigate what was often an overwhelming and exhausting journey.

Most importantly, Jeannette never lost sight of what our son actually needed, something the LA had little care for. Whilst they focused on fitting him into existing provision, Jeannette focused on securing the school placement that would allow him to thrive. Throughout the process she was knowledgeable, professional, compassionate and incredibly determined. Thanks to her expertise, and our mostly steadfast persistence we were successful in securing a specialist school placement that truly reflects his needs and gives him the best possible chance to fulfil his potential - what the law states every child should have, but is still an incredible battte to achieve.

As parents, it is difficult to put into words the relief and gratitude we feel knowing our son has a secondary school place that best fits his needs. We would wholeheartedly recommend Jeannette to any family facing similar challenges." V.E., East Sussex, June 2026