Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to many of the key questions you might have about how we work and the support we offer.
If you do have more questions please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
1 - Getting Started
Do I need to know which service I need?
No. That's exactly what the free consultation is for. We'll talk through your situation and work out the right starting point together.
What happens in a free consultation?
A short, focused conversation to understand where things are now and what would be most helpful next. No pressure, no obligation.
Should I send you anything now?
No. The consultation is a discussion about your current situation. Often we find documents are so outdated that a simple discussion with you can highlight things far better than a plan written years ago (and often in a different school!).
2 - SENs Check
What is a SENs Check?
A structured review of your child's EHCP, reports and support. This check brings everything together into a clear joined-up picture.
What do you mean by 'things get lost'?
From experience things get lost over time - interventions a young person has in Year 2 might show progress from their School report but get lost in transition. By Year 5 they may have disappeared entirely.
What else do you look at?
Many IEPs I see repeat the same targets term after term, year after year. Often the young person is recorded as making 'Minimal Progress' or 'Working towards' and will have the same target for years.
What are you likely to suggest?
The review will look at all areas and suggest potential professional reports that might be missing. This might include suggesting a referral to new professionals or re-referral if there is evidence in School reports that things have changed.
Shouldn't my child's SENCO do this?
This could be something your child's SENCO does, but from experience SENCOs often have dozens or even hundreds of EHCPs to manage. They don't have the time to provide a detailed review of all historic reports and identify targeted next steps.
What will I receive?
A written summary with clear insights, identified gaps and practical next steps.
3 - Plan Builder
What is Plan Builder?
Plan Builder is a deeper piece of work which strengthens (or rebuilds) parts of your child's plan. This could include incorporating evidence from professional reports into your child's EHCP, looking at historic and current IEPs and how these relate to Long Term Outcomes and looking at the provision recommended.
Why does this happen?
Over time professional reports, IEPs and progress reviews can become disconnected. Outdated evidence remains included which then contradicts the document.
Why is this important?
The EHCP is a legal document. Headteachers and SENCOs will often (rightly!) share this with your child's teacher and teaching assistant to help them provide for your child. From experience long, confusing documents create this confusion in the classroom. The most dedicated teachers spend hours trying to decode exactly what is still relevant in the EHCP.
Can you give an example?
One EHCP I reviewed as a Headteacher included detailed requirements for supporting them during carpet time when they were 12 - this had been advice given in Year 1 but had never been removed.
Shouldn't my child's SENCO and Headteacher do this?
Going through a plan and examining each line in detail is an intensive administrative task. As a former Headteacher I wish I had the time to have done this.
What will I recieve?
A reviewed plan, where possible, using the formatting guidance of your Local Authority to provide the parent amendments ahead of the Annual Review. New reports will be summarised and referenced, with old advice removed when this is no longer relevant. This will help your School to submit your amendments at the EHCP Annual Review.
Can you come to my child's Annual Review?
We do offer this as an additional service - we can discuss this as we work through Plan Builder.
Is this for Tribunal cases?
It can support the process, but the focus is on building a strong, clear plan that stands up to any scrutiny.
4 - Practical Questions
How long does it take?
Timelines vary depending on the work, but this will always be clear and upfront. If you are working to a specific deadline (for example Annual Review or end of the School year) then let us know and we can try to accommodate this.
Do you work with Schools?
Yes - our aim is to support constructive and clear conversations.
Can you help me find a new School?
If you're looking for advice and guidance on finding a new school for your child we can also offer this support, providing a detailed exploration of the schools available in your area.
Is this only for EHCPs?
No. While EHCPS are our core focus, we can also look at broader support plans and reports.