Observation Passport
Generate a professional, printable medical summary of your child's traits for your GP or Paediatrician.
DLA Decoder
Translate the complex Disability Living Allowance form questions into the language the DWP requires.
EBSA Guide
Know your legal rights regarding School Avoidance, attendance fines, and Section 19 alternative provision.
Letter Builder
Jump to the generator below to write legally compliant emails to your SENCO or Local Authority.
Diagnostic Pathways Matrix
Standard NHS
- Cost: Free
- Process: GP or School referral to local Community Paediatrics or CAMHS.
- Reality: Severely underfunded. Waitlists can stretch from 2 to 5 years depending on the trust.
NHS 'Right to Choose'
- Cost: Free (NHS funded)
- Process: You ask your GP to refer you to an approved private clinic that holds an NHS contract.
- Reality: Requires research to find an open contract. GPs can be resistant if they misunderstand the legislation.
Fully Private
- Cost: High (£1,500 - £3,000+)
- Process: Bypass the GP and book directly with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Reality: The fastest route, but NHS may refuse "Shared Care" agreements for ADHD medication.
SEN Support (The First Step)
Before an EHCP is considered, schools must provide "SEN Support" using the Graduated Approach.
The class teacher and SENCO analyze your child's needs using assessments and your parental concerns.
You and the school agree on adjustments and support, recorded on an Individual Support Plan (ISP).
The class teacher remains responsible for working with the child and implementing the plan daily.
The effectiveness is evaluated. If the child is not making progress after multiple cycles, you escalate to an EHCP.
The EHCP Legal Timeline
If SEN Support isn't enough, you escalate to an EHCP.
You request an EHC Needs Assessment. The LA has 6 weeks to decide. If they refuse, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
The LA gathers advice from professionals. By Week 16, they must decide whether they will issue a plan.
You receive a Draft. You have 15 days to review it, request amendments, and name your preferred school.
The LA issues the Final EHCP. The school is legally required to admit your child, and the LA must fund the support.
SEND Letter & Template Builder
Select your situation, fill in the details, and copy the formal template below. It automatically includes the correct UK legal references.
The SEND Jargon Buster
Education, Health and Care Plan
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Educational Psychologist
Speech and Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Local Authority (Your local council)
Disability Living Allowance
Individual Support Plan