RECOMMENDATIONS:

"Jeannette has worked with Eaton Square School for several years bringing a wealth of experience in S.E.N.D. and Safeguarding to both staff and parents. She has been involved with all age groups within the school, from Nursery to Year 8, guiding and supporting whenever needed; her advice has been invaluable."

Headmaster, Eaton Square School, London.

"I have worked alongside Jeannette Bidder to support several children over the last three years; her expertise in this area is invaluable in meeting individual needs, plus she has helped me and the staff through the complicated process of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan. She has been a great support to the school in dealing with any sensitive issues and her approach when dealing with parents is empathetic. I would highly recommend her services; her vast experience in special educational needs is exemplary and she has helped us to transform our approach to supporting children with additional needs." 

Head of Pre-Prep, Hyde Park School, London.

NEXT STEPS

I welcome your enquiries, thoughts, comments or personal contact requests. Clearly, each pupil's case and needs are different: hourly or daily rates are available for E.H.C.P. applications. Telephone 0777 614 8787 for details.

As Parent Advocate at SEND Tribunal appeals for EHC Plans - a representative and supportive role - providing consultations, liaising with schools and therapists, advising and providing expert support as an independent SEND consultant, I offer a bespoke and confidential service at an hourly rate of £88 (from 1st September 2020). My role is to offer an experienced, independent consultancy.

When working with Parents for an EHCP application, it is first key to gather all background information, to review and note all existing specialist reports and any other available documents; this can take around three to four hours and makes it possible to then offer pertinent advice for next steps (approximately £350). Of course, each case varies. 

The timeframe for the full process of EHC Plan applications is set to take 20 weeks, as a national requirement. In reality this can take much longer, if local authorities refuse to assess a child - or refuse to issue an EHCP - or if mediation is undertaken, for instance, and if an appeal becomes necessary.

As each child's case is so different - with specialist reports often being vital - total costs vary hugely, but often 15 consultancy hours (including the reviewing, noting and using of expert reports, school visits, telephone calls and more) are needed for complex EHC Plan applications to be finalised, and a chosen school placement secured. This can take much longer (40 hours or so), if it is necessary to submit an appeal, due to the local authority refusing to assess or refusing to provide an EHCP (after assessing). It might be less time- consuming, depending upon evidence and circumstances.

This process varies from child to child, eg. if observations or visits are necessary; or if a specialist school placement is needed; or if an appeal to SEND Tribunal is required. Often meetings with local authorities and liaison with various independent experts  -such as a clinical psychologist or occupational therapist- are a key part of the evidence gathering and EHCP application process. 

Once my service is engaged, each family is provided with a Letter of Engagement, for clarity and confidence.

Support for schools is also offered: sometimes this is in creating an EHCP application or in SEN Training for staff.

Please feel welcome to use the form below to get in touch. A brief outline of requirements is helpful so that useful dialogue in person, by telephone or email may follow.