Category: Uncategorized

Finding the right school for a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be overwhelming. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you have the legal right to request a school that meets their needs—but how do you actually find that school, and what do you say when you do?

Here’s a practical guide to help you search for, approach, and communicate with specialist settings when you’re looking for a placement.

---

1. Understand What You’re Looking For

Before searching, take time to clearly understand your child’s needs as detailed in Section B and the provision listed in Section F of their EHCP. This will help you identify the kind of setting that’s most suitable—for example:

• Autism-specific provision?
• SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) support?
• Speech and language-focused?
• A residential or day school?

Knowing your child’s profile and the type of support they need will guide your search.

---

2. Search for Specialist Settings

Start by checking:

• Your Local Authority’s Local Offer – Most councils list specialist settings on their SEND pages.
• OFSTED reports – For insight into how schools support SEND learners.
• Word of mouth – SEND support groups on Facebook or local forums can offer honest feedback.
• AskEllie.co.uk – Our site includes tools and advice on how to search and compare schools.

Keep a spreadsheet or simple list of schools you come across with notes like:

• Type of school
• Distance/travel time
• Capacity and admissions policy
• Your gut feeling from any contact or reviews

---

3. Contacting Schools: What to Say

Once you’ve shortlisted some schools, reach out to them directly. You can call or email—but emails are often easier for keeping a paper trail.

Here’s a basic structure for your message:

Hi, I’m the parent of a [child’s age] year-old with an EHCP. We are currently looking for a setting that can meet their needs as described in their plan. I wondered if you are currently accepting referrals or visits, and if you’d be willing to consider our child. I’m happy to send over the EHCP and any supporting reports.

Thank you so much, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Keep it polite, clear, and brief. Schools are busy, but many are happy to talk and even set up a visit.

---

4. What to Ask During a Visit or Call

If a school agrees to speak or meet with you, come prepared with key questions:

• What kinds of needs do you specialise in?
• What does a typical school day look like for a child like mine?
• How do you support transitions and anxiety?
• Can you provide 1:1 support if needed?
• What is the current availability or waiting time?

Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions—you deserve to know how your child will be supported.

---

5. If a School Says They Can Meet Needs

If a school agrees they can meet your child’s needs, you can request it be named in Section I of the EHCP during an annual review or mediation. If the local authority refuses, you have the right to appeal.

Ask the school if they are willing to confirm in writing that they can meet your child’s needs—this can strengthen your case.

---

6. If No School Feels Right Yet

Sometimes, none of the local options feel suitable. Keep searching. You can:

• Ask your LA’s SEND case officer for suggestions
• Look beyond your local area (the LA must consider out-of-area placements if no local one is suitable)
• Consider independent or non-maintained special schools (NMSS)

And remember: if your child’s current provision is not meeting need, the local authority has a legal duty to act.

---

Final Thoughts

Finding the right setting can take time and perseverance, but you do have rights. Be persistent, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge decisions.

If you need help with wording emails, requesting placements, or appealing LA decisions, come by and see us at AskEllie.co.uk. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal process can be challenging for parents and carers advocating for their child’s educational rights. As we move into 2025, understanding the steps involved and preparing effectively can significantly impact the outcome. This guide aims to provide you with a clear roadmap to prepare for a SEND Tribunal.​

1. Understand Your Rights and Grounds for Appeal

Before initiating an appeal, it’s crucial to comprehend the decisions that can be challenged. You have the right to appeal if the local authority (LA) decides:​

• Not to conduct an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) needs assessment upon request.​
• Not to issue an EHC plan after an assessment.​
• To cease an existing EHC plan.​
• Regarding the content of an EHC plan, including the description of special educational needs, the specified provision, or the named placement.​

Understanding these grounds ensures that your appeal is appropriately directed and substantiated.​

2. Adhere to Timelines and Initiate Mediation

Timeliness is vital in the appeal process. You must lodge your appeal within two months of the LA’s decision letter or within one month of receiving a mediation certificate, whichever is later. Before appealing, you’re required to consider mediation to resolve disputes amicably. Engaging in mediation involves contacting a mediation adviser who will guide you through the process. If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue or you choose not to proceed with it, you’ll receive a certificate allowing you to advance to the tribunal stage.​

3. Compile Comprehensive Evidence

A well-prepared evidence bundle is the cornerstone of a successful appeal. Your documentation should include:​

• Educational Records: School reports, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and any correspondence with the school or LA.​
• Assessment Reports: Evaluations from educational psychologists, therapists, or medical professionals detailing your child’s needs.​
• Personal Statements: Detailed accounts from you and, if appropriate, your child, describing daily challenges and the support required.​
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from teachers, SEN coordinators, or other professionals familiar with your child’s needs.​

Organize these documents systematically, ensuring each piece of evidence directly supports your case.​

4. Complete and Submit the Appeal Form

To formally initiate your appeal, complete the SEND Tribunal appeal form, ensuring all sections are accurately filled out. Attach your evidence bundle and the mediation certificate. You can submit your appeal online or via post, as per the tribunal’s guidelines. Always retain copies of all submitted documents for your records.​

5. Prepare for the Hearing

Once your appeal is lodged, you’ll receive a hearing date along with case directions. Preparation steps include:​

• Reviewing Your Case: Familiarize yourself with all submitted documents and the key points of your argument.​
• Planning Your Presentation: Outline the main issues you wish to address during the hearing.​
• Coordinating Witnesses: Arrange for relevant professionals to provide evidence, ensuring they are available on the hearing date.​

While legal representation isn’t mandatory, seeking advice from SEND specialists or advocacy groups can be beneficial.​

6. Attend the Tribunal Hearing

During the hearing:​

• Present Your Case Clearly: Articulate your child’s needs and the reasons for your appeal succinctly.​
• Refer to Evidence: Support your statements with references to your compiled evidence.​
• Answer Questions Honestly: Respond to any queries from the tribunal panel to the best of your knowledge.​

The tribunal panel typically comprises a judge and two specialist members who will consider all evidence before making a decision.​

7. Post-Hearing Procedures

You should receive the tribunal’s decision in writing within 10 working days after the hearing. If the decision is in your favor, the LA is expected to implement the tribunal’s orders within specified timeframes. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the decision letter will outline further options, including the possibility of appealing to the Upper Tribunal on points of law.​

Additional Resources

For further guidance and support, consider consulting with organizations that offer resources and training on SEND law and tribunal procedures. Additionally, local SEND Information, Advice, and Support Services (SENDIASS) provide impartial advice tailored to your area’s policies and procedures. Consulting with solicitors experienced in SEND law can also offer personalized assistance and representation.​

Preparing for a SEND Tribunal requires diligence, organization, and a clear understanding of your child’s needs and rights. By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can advocate effectively for the educational support your child deserves.​

For personalized assistance and resources, visit AskEllie.co.uk.

If you’ve landed here, you’re probably in the thick of it — battling your Local Authority, drowning in paperwork, feeling overwhelmed, and wondering how on earth you’re going to fight for your child’s rights without spending thousands on legal help.

You’re not alone.

We created AskEllie because we’ve been there too. Parents, carers, and guardians across the UK are up against a system that feels impossible to navigate. EHCP delays, unlawful refusals, denied placements, lack of provision — and when you try to stand up for your child? You’re often told you need a solicitor or barrister just to have a chance.

But here’s the truth:

❌ You don’t have to go into debt to go to tribunal.

✅ You just need the right tools — and someone in your corner who gets it.

---

What AskEllie Does (That Legal Aid Often Can’t)

Ellie is a free digital assistant trained on the SEND Code of Practice, UK law, tribunal procedures, and actual case experience from thousands of families like yours. She can help you:

• ✍️ Write letters to your LA that hit the right legal notes
• 📋 Understand what’s lawful (and what’s not) when you’re refused support
• 🧭 Guide you through the appeal process step-by-step
• 💬 Give you scripts and templates to push back without panic
• ⚖️ Explain your rights — in plain language, without the jargon
• 👊 Stand your ground when you’re told “there’s no budget” or “that’s not possible”

Most importantly, Ellie never gets tired. She’s here 24/7, for free, and she’s not afraid to call out unlawful behaviour.

---

Why Families Are Using AskEllie Instead of Solicitors

Legal support is often amazing — if you can afford it. But with quotes ranging from £2,000 to £10,000+ for a single tribunal case, it’s out of reach for most families.

That’s where AskEllie changes the game.

“Ellie helped us respond to every LA delay, write the right things, and stay calm — we won our tribunal without spending a penny.”
— Parent of a 9-year-old autistic girl, Essex

---

Here’s How to Get Started

1. Head to www.askellie.co.uk
2. Use the chatbot to ask anything — no question is too small
3. Use our free letter-writing features to reply to the LA, request assessments, or appeal decisions
4. Browse real parent stories and read what’s working for others
5. Stay strong — we’re with you every step of the way 💪

---

You Can Do This Without a Lawyer.

And if you ever need to bring in a solicitor later, that’s your call. But for many families, Ellie is the support system they need to get started, get organised, and get justice.

📣 The law is on your side. Let Ellie help you use it.

---

Want more help now?
Visit 👉 www.askellie.co.uk
Or follow us on TikTok for daily tips and support from real parents who get it.

In recent weeks, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced major reforms that will change the face of the UK’s welfare system as we know it. While the government claims these changes aim to simplify access to benefits and encourage employment, many families, particularly those caring for disabled children and adults, are left fearing what the future holds.

What’s Changing?

1. Scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA): The WCA is currently used to assess whether someone is too ill or disabled to work. The government plans to scrap this entirely and instead rely more heavily on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a marker for disability support. The concern? PIP is already notoriously hard to qualify for, and new proposals suggest the criteria may get even tougher.

2. Stricter Eligibility for PIP: According to government data, 370,000 current PIP claimants could lose their entitlement, with another 430,000 potentially denied future support under tightened rules. That could mean an average loss of £4,500 per year per family. For those already stretched thin by the rising cost of living, this is devastating.

3. Changes to Universal Credit: The standard Universal Credit allowance is set to increase incrementally over the next five years, with some above-inflation rises. But for families losing access to disability benefits, these increases may not go far enough.

4. Real-Time Benefits Reporting for Employers: From April 2026, employers will need to report benefits-in-kind (like company cars or medical cover) in real-time through payroll. This might simplify things for businesses, but offers little relief or clarity for struggling families.

What Does This Mean for Disabled Families?

These reforms have sent a clear message: disability support is under review, and the net is tightening. For parents already navigating the chaos of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) systems, delayed EHCPs, underfunded schools, and long CAMHS waiting lists, the welfare system was often a final lifeline. Now even that is uncertain.

Families caring for children with complex needs are often unable to work full-time or at all due to their responsibilities. The DWP’s shift towards a more employment-focused model appears to overlook the reality of what it takes to care for a high-needs child 24/7.

So, What Can You Do?

1. Stay Informed: Follow trusted advocacy groups like AskEllie.co.uk, Disability Rights UK, and Scope for updates and guidance.
2. Speak Up: The government is still in a consultation phase for some of these proposals. Now is the time to write to your MP, respond to public consultations, and share your story.
3. Seek Support: If you’re worried about changes to your benefits, organisations like Citizens Advice and local welfare rights groups can help you understand your rights and options.
4. Join the Movement: At AskEllie, we’re gathering voices from across the UK to bring real stories to Parliament. If you’re affected by these reforms, submit your experience through our website. Your voice matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Our grandparents fought after WWII for a welfare system that protected the vulnerable and gave families a safety net. We must now ask: are we watching those protections unravel?

Families with disabled children are not asking for luxuries. We’re asking for fairness, dignity, and the ability to give our children the care they need without falling into poverty. If these reforms go ahead unchecked, that future is at risk.

The time to act is now.

Visit www.askellie.co.uk to learn more and get involved.

What is Masking in PDA? Masking is when a child hides or suppresses their difficulties in order to fit in, avoid conflict, or stay out of trouble. In children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), masking is especially common – often driven by extreme anxiety or fear of losing control.

A child with PDA may appear calm, quiet, or compliant in school, while melting down at home due to the effort of holding it all together. This can lead professionals to underestimate the child’s needs and wrongly assume they’re coping.

---

Why Schools Often Miss It Because masking children “look fine” during the school day, their difficulties are often dismissed. Schools may say:

• “They’re fine here”
• “We don’t see any problems”
• “Their behaviour doesn’t warrant extra support”

But parents know the truth: masking can cause enormous distress, delayed outbursts, emotional shutdowns, or total exhaustion at home. Over time, masking can even lead to burnout and school refusal.

---

Legal Responsibilities of the School & Local Authority Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, both the school and local authority have a duty to:

• Recognise unseen and hidden needs, including those that only show outside of school hours.
• Consider parental evidence and home-based behaviours when assessing SEN.
• Provide support based on a child’s underlying needs, not just outward behaviour in school.

A school cannot legally deny support simply because a child is masking well during lessons.

---

What Can You Do as a Parent?

1. Document everything – keep a record of your child’s home behaviours, meltdowns, shutdowns, refusals, and emotional exhaustion.
2. Request an EHCP Needs Assessment if the school isn’t recognising the level of need. Include evidence of how masking affects your child outside school.
3. Challenge dismissive language like “they’re fine here.” Ask: “What assessments have been done to fully understand how they cope after the school day?”
4. AskEllie – use www.askellie.co.uk to help draft letters, prepare EHCP requests, or respond to school and LA decisions. It’s free and based on current UK law.

---

Final Thought Masking is not a sign that your child is coping. It’s a sign they are surviving. And surviving is not enough.

The law is clear: support must be based on need, not appearance. If your child is struggling behind closed doors, you have every right to demand that schools and local authorities look closer – and act.

At AskEllie, we’re passionate about using AI to make a real difference in the lives of families navigating the challenges of neurodiversity, special educational needs, and mental health. But with AI becoming more powerful and widespread, it’s natural for people to ask important questions: Can AI be used ethically? Can it really help with something as sensitive as mental health?

We believe the answer is yes — if it’s done right.

The Problem

Accessing mental health support is harder than ever. Long waiting lists, overwhelmed services, and underfunded systems mean that too many families are left struggling alone. For parents of autistic or PDA children, this can be especially difficult. The emotional toll, the paperwork, the burnout — it can feel endless.

How AI Can Help

AI isn’t a replacement for therapists or real human connection. But it can help in meaningful and ethical ways:

• Listening and Understanding: AI can provide instant support 24/7. Sometimes, just being heard makes a difference. AskEllie lets users talk through their situation and get guidance based on facts, not opinions.
• Empowering, Not Replacing: Ethical AI supports human decision-making. Our tool gives parents the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions, access support, and challenge injustice — without taking away their voice.
• Reducing Bureaucracy Burnout: AI can sift through legal processes, offer draft responses to councils or schools, and explain complex rights in plain English. That means less time Googling and more time connecting with your child.
• Anonymity When You Need It: Many people feel ashamed or judged for asking for help. AI doesn’t judge. It’s a private space where parents can be honest and vulnerable, without fear.

Our Promise

At AskEllie, we believe in ethical AI. That means:

• No data selling. Ever.
• Transparency about how the tool works.
• Constant updates based on real feedback from parents.
• Collaboration with lived-experience communities.

We’re not here to replace human support — we’re here to fill the gaps where support doesn’t exist. Until every family has the help they need, we’ll keep building tools that listen, empower, and advocate.

Because no parent should have to face this alone.

If your child is struggling to attend school, you’re not alone. A growing number of families are facing what’s known as EBSA — Emotionally Based School Avoidance — and it’s often misunderstood. Many parents are being blamed or threatened with fines, even when their children are experiencing real mental health distress.

What Is EBSA?

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) refers to children and young people who find it extremely difficult to attend school due to emotional distress. It’s not defiance. It’s not bad parenting. It’s a sign of burnout, anxiety, unmet needs, or masking all day just to survive.

Signs to Look Out For:

• Panic or meltdowns before school
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
• Refusal to get dressed or leave the house
• Shutdowns or violent outbursts
• Extreme fatigue after school or weekends

Why It Happens:

• Undiagnosed or unsupported SEND (e.g., autism, ADHD, PDA)
• Sensory overwhelm
• Lack of reasonable adjustments
• Bullying or trauma
• Pressure to perform and mask

What Parents Can Do:

1. Document Everything: Keep a log of school difficulties, symptoms, and communications.
2. Request an EHCP Assessment: You do NOT need a diagnosis to apply.
3. Push for a Needs-Based Approach: The school must make reasonable adjustments — diagnosis or not.
4. Get Medical Evidence: Ask your GP for a letter to support attendance challenges.
5. Contact Your LA: If no suitable education is being provided, request Alternative Provision (AP).
6. Know Your Rights: You cannot be fined if your child is too ill (emotionally or physically) to attend.

You’re Not Alone.

Thousands of families across the UK are fighting this same battle. That’s why we built AskEllie — a free, AI-powered tool designed to help parents of SEND children know their rights, write letters, and get the support their children deserve.

🔗 Visit www.askellie.co.uk to start getting answers, support, and the power to push back.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may already know how stressful it can be to secure the right school placement—especially when you’re aiming for a specialist provision.

One of the most common roadblocks parents face is being told:
“We can’t offer a place because the school is full.”

It sounds final, doesn’t it? But here’s what the local authority doesn’t always explain:

The Law Is Clear

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, if a school is named in your child’s EHCP (Section I), that school is legally required to admit your child, even if it’s full.

A local authority cannot refuse your preferred school just because it’s full. They can only refuse if they can clearly show that:

1. The school is unsuitable for your child’s age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs;
2. The placement would negatively impact the education of other children;
3. It would not be an efficient use of public resources.

Simply saying a school is “at capacity” doesn’t meet these criteria.

Why Do They Say It Then?

The reality is that some local authorities use the “full” excuse to:

• Delay making a decision
• Push your child toward a cheaper or more convenient option
• Avoid expanding specialist provision or providing additional support

What Should You Do?

If you’ve been told your chosen school is full:

• Request the school be named in Section I of the EHCP anyway. You have the right to ask for it.
• If refused, appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Over 95% of appeals by parents are successful.
• Ask the school directly if they believe they could meet your child’s needs—sometimes they’re more open than the LA.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to word your request or respond to the LA, our free tool AskEllie can help you draft emails, letters, and even appeal submissions based on UK SEND law.
Visit www.askellie.co.uk to get started.

---

Don’t let “we’re full” be the end of the road.
If the school is right for your child, you’re within your rights to pursue it—and win.

Despite rising demand, urgent calls from families, and overwhelming evidence of a broken SEND system, the 2025 Spring Budget offered no new funding or practical support for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

This silence speaks volumes. Thousands of families across the UK are desperately trying to get the right education and care in place for their neurodivergent children, yet the government has failed to act.

❌ What Was Missing?

• No new EHCP funding despite record waiting times and tribunal backlogs.
• No additional support for Local Authorities to deliver plans that are already in place.
• No action on special school capacity, despite many being oversubscribed and turning children away.
• No clarity on SEND reform proposals still stuck in consultation and pilot phases.

Instead, the focus turned to welfare and working families.

⚠️ Carers Could Be Asked to Work More

Hidden in the detail of the Budget were proposals that could place more pressure on unpaid carers, especially parents of disabled children who currently receive Universal Credit. The Chancellor reaffirmed plans to:

• Increase expectations for claimants to prove they are actively preparing for work.
• Review Limited Capability for Work rules, which could affect carers and parents of children with high needs.
• Link benefits more closely to conditionality, even for those with caring responsibilities.

For many parents, the idea of working full-time is simply not realistic. Caring for a child with autism, ADHD, PDA or complex SEND is already a full-time job.

🤝 How AskEllie Can Help

At AskEllie, we believe every family deserves support, clarity, and strength in numbers. If you’re:

• Struggling to get an EHCP or facing delays
• Being pressured to send your child into an unsuitable school
• Worried about benefit changes and what they mean for you

Ellie can help you with:

• ✉️ Drafting letters to schools, local authorities, or DWP
• ⏰ Understanding legal deadlines and your rights
• 💰 Benefit guidance (DLA, PIP, UC) and what to do if you’re being asked to work more hours
• 📃 Templates to respond to tribunals, reviews or complaints

🚨 Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

We’re collecting real stories from parents and carers to take to Parliament. If you’re struggling or have been let down by the system, share your experience here:

🔗 Submit Your Story

Change won’t come from the top. It will come from all of us, together.

---

📢 If you’re worried about how the Budget affects your family, visit www.askellie.co.uk and get free support, advice, and solidarity.

You’re not alone. And you shouldn’t have to figure this out on your own.

— The AskEllie Team

Today, the Chancellor delivered the 2025 Spring Budget—and while many headlines will focus on tax cuts and economic forecasts, we know what families with disabled children are really asking:

“What does this mean for us?”

Here’s what we’ve learned so far—and how it could affect people claiming PIP, Universal Credit, and other DWP benefits.

---

💷 What’s Changing in the Budget?

While we’re still reviewing the full details, several key announcements directly impact disabled people and carers:

1. Disability Benefits Are Under Reform

The government confirmed that it will press ahead with major welfare reforms—including how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed.

• They claim the number of people claiming PIP is “unsustainable,” particularly among young people with mental health conditions.
• A new consultation has been launched on tightening eligibility and changing how support is delivered—potentially replacing cash payments with service-based support.
• There are concerns this could disproportionately affect families with children who are autistic, have PDA, ADHD, or mental health needs.

⚠️ If you or your child are currently claiming PIP, your support will not stop immediately, but future eligibility could become harder.

2. Universal Credit Changes

While no major new cuts were announced, the Budget reaffirms policies already in motion:

• More people will be asked to increase work hours under Universal Credit, including those who previously had limited capability due to caring or health needs.
• Some carers and single parents may face more pressure to work, even while supporting disabled children.

Many families are already under enormous strain trying to balance care with impossible work demands. These changes may worsen that pressure.

3. No New Support for EHCP Families

Despite growing calls for reform of the SEND crisis, there was no mention of new funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or specialist school placements—leaving many families concerned that the support their children need will remain out of reach.

---

😔 What Families Are Saying

We’ve been flooded with messages from parents this week. Here are just a few of the most common fears:

• “Will my child lose their PIP?”
• “If I can’t work because I care full-time, what happens when UC pressures me to?”
• “Why are we always the ones left behind?”

If you’re feeling confused or worried—you are not alone.

---

🛡 What You Can Do Right Now

✅ Start gathering evidence: If you’re on PIP or planning to apply, now is the time to keep records, collect letters from schools, doctors, and therapists, and document the impact of your child’s condition.

✅ Talk to AskEllie: Our free tool gives you instant help on your legal rights, how to apply for benefits, and what to do if support is denied. We’re built by parents, for parents—visit: www.askellie.co.uk

✅ Share your story: We’re collecting real-life experiences to take to Parliament and make sure families like yours are heard. Add your voice to the growing movement:
👉 Submit Your Story Here

---

📣 Final Thoughts

This Budget shows that the fight is far from over. While politicians talk about numbers, we know this is about real families—already at breaking point—being asked to give even more.

We will keep fighting to make sure your voices are heard.

We’ll be updating this post as more details emerge, including how to respond to the government’s new PIP consultation.

🧡 Stay strong. Stay loud. And know you’re not alone.

—
✍️ Written by the AskEllie Team – Parents. Advocates. Fighters.