Independent SEN & SEND Advocate Support for Parents Across the UK
Navigating the SEN system can feel overwhelming.
You are trying to secure the right support for your child, while managing school meetings, forms, assessments, deadlines, and complex terminology — often with little guidance.
You should not have to do this alone.
As an independent SEN/SEND advocate, I support parents across the UK to:
understand their child’s rights
communicate effectively with schools and local authorities
prepare evidence and documentation
feel confident in meetings
secure appropriate provision and support
My role is to stand alongside you, ensure your child’s needs are properly recognised, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
What a SEN / SEND Advocate Actually Does
A SEN advocate is not here to replace you as a parent — but to empower you.
As your advocate, I help you:
1. Understand the SEN framework
Clear explanation of:
SEN Support
reasonable adjustments
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
what schools are legally expected to do
what Local Authorities are responsible for
2. Prepare for meetings
Including:
drafting questions
reviewing school reports
helping you organise evidence
ensuring your concerns are documented properly
3. Communicate effectively with professionals
I help translate educational and legal language into plain English, ensuring your child’s needs are heard — without conflict wherever possible.
4. Build a clear support strategy
Together we:
identify what your child needs in school
clarify next steps
know when to escalate
avoid common mistakes and missed deadlines
Advocacy is about reducing stress, improving outcomes, and protecting your child’s right to support.
When Parents Usually Contact a SEN Advocate
Parents typically reach out when they feel:
unheard in school meetings
confused by conflicting advice
overwhelmed by paperwork
unsure whether SEN support or an EHCP is appropriate
repeatedly told “there is no funding” or “your child does not meet the threshold”
frustrated because progress isn’t happening
their child’s needs are being misunderstood
Common situations include:
SEN support not being implemented
difficulties with behaviour linked to unmet needs
lack of reasonable adjustments
refusal to assess for an EHCP
EHCP draft that does not reflect real needs
exclusion risk or frequent suspensions
school suggesting part-time timetables
If any of these feel familiar, advocacy can make a genuine difference.
Our SEN Advocacy Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Initial Consultation
We discuss:
your child’s history
current challenges
what support is already in place
your goals and concerns
You leave with a clear understanding of options and next steps.
Step 2 — Document Review
I review:
school reports
IEPs / Support Plans
assessments
correspondence with school or LA
any medical or professional reports
This helps identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities.
Step 3 — Strategy Plan
We develop a tailored plan which may include:
strengthening SEN Support
formal requests and letters
considering EHCP assessment
evidence gathering
preparing for specific meetings
Step 4 — Meeting Support
If needed, I can:
help you prepare for meetings
attend virtually
help you articulate concerns
ensure key issues are documented
Step 5 — Ongoing Support
You have continuing access to guidance as next steps unfold.
Why Work With an Independent Advocate
Parents tell me the benefits are:
reduced stress and overwhelm
greater clarity and confidence
more effective communication with schools
stronger evidence-based requests
a clear sense of direction instead of guesswork
I am independent, meaning my focus is entirely on your child’s best interests.
Case Examples (Anonymised)
Case 1 — SEN Support Not Being Implemented
A parent was repeatedly reassured support was in place — but nothing was documented.
Outcome:
support plan established
clear targets + review cycle agreed
progress finally started to be measured
Case 2 — Refusal to Assess for EHCP
Family advised “child is coping”.
After review, evidence demonstrated otherwise.
Outcome:
formal request submitted
Local Authority agreed to assess
appropriate provision added following planning
These outcomes are never guaranteed, but effective advocacy can significantly strengthen your position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you replace legal representation?
No. I provide advocacy and guidance. Where legal representation is necessary, I can signpost appropriately.
Do you work across the UK?
Yes — most advocacy is delivered online, meaning geography is not a barrier.
Can you attend meetings?
Yes — typically via video call, with prior preparation.
Can you guarantee outcomes?
No service can guarantee outcomes. I do guarantee clarity, structured support, and evidence-led advocacy.