After 30 years in this field and continuing well past retirement age, it is now time to retire.

On the 31st July 2025, the company will cease operations.

Mother playing with building blocks with her son

During the last 15 years we have supported in excess of 2000 parents of children with SEN and won the vast majority of the cases.

It has been the utmost privilege to work in this field and support parents during what is an adversarial process caused by parents upholding the childs legal rights.

We are keeping the website live in the hope that the information may be of help.

Types of Special
Educational Needs

3 people holding jigsaw pieces, trying to piece them together

Autism

A Developmental Disorder that is characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication by repetitive patterns of behaviour.

Asperger's Syndrome

A Neurodevelopmental Disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication.

Attention Disorders

A Disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension or worried thoughts. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS is a complicated disorder characterised by extreme fatigue and can’t be fully explained by an underlying medical condition & doesn’t improve with rest.

Down's Syndrome

Down Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome (Trisomy 21). Individuals are likely to present with some level of learning disability requiring a bespoke education package. Physical characteristics include shorter stature, almond shaped eyes and increased risk of certain health conditions relating to their diagnosis.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a developmental disorder of the brain in childhood causing difficulty in activities requiring coordination and movement.

Emotional / Mental Health Difficulties

Any emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties can affect a person’s ability to be happy, control their emotions and pay attention in school.

PMLD/MSI

PMLD and MSI are severe learning disabilities that significantly affect their ability to communicate and be independent.

Sensory Impairment

Sensory impairment is when one of your senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste and spatial awareness, is no longer normal.

Speech & Language Difficulties

When a child is noticeably behind their peers in acquiring speech and or language skills, communication is considered delayed.

SEN Advocates/Representatives are not generally legally qualified and are therefore not subject to supervision by a professional body.

This creates a situation whereby anyone can call themselves an advocate no matter what their background experience or training. Simply because you have been successful in your case does not make you the next Kavanagh QC.

The following sets out what we hope form the basis of a useful set of questions that you can ask a potential advocate to explore the bounds of their knowledge and expertise.

Advocate’s Experience and Qualifications:

What is your experience with [specific area of concern, e.g., autism, dyslexia, exclusion appeals]?
How many children of a similar age and with similar needs to my child have you worked with?
Who trained you in SEN law – do you have any formal qualifications?
What continuation training do you do?
What training have you received over the last 3 years?
How many times have you appeared before a tribunal on behalf of a client?
How many cases have you dealt with over the last 3 years?
What has been the success rate?
How many cases have you run against my LA?
Can you provide examples of successful cases you’ve handled?
Can you supply a list of individuals that I can contact who have worked with you?
Who do you refer your Judicial Review work to?
Please supply a copy of your Professional Indemnity insurance, your ICO registration and Business insurance.
How many Annual Reviews have you attended?
How many formal mediations have you supported parents over?
What were the outcomes?
How many BFI appeals have you run over the last 3 years?
How many of those have included Health and Social care?
How many EQA claims have you run – what were the outcomes?
How many exclusions appeals have you run – what were the outcomes?
How many complaints to the LA have you run?
How many appeals to the LGO have you run – what were the outcomes?
How many School Admission appeals have you run – what were the outcomes?
How many School Transport appeals have you run and what were the outcomes?
How may EOTIS appeals have you run?

Communication

How and when will we communicate?
How will you keep me informed about meetings, reports, and progress?
How will you work with the school and other professionals involved?

Costs and Funding:

What are your fees and payment terms?
Are there any additional costs associated with your services?
Are there any funding options available for advocacy support?
Am I eligible for legal aid?

By asking these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether the advocate is a good fit for your child’s needs and ensure they are well-equipped to advocate effectively.