SCHOOL ISN'T MEETING MY CHILD'S NEEDS
You know your child needs more support. But what happens when school isn't providing it?
Perhaps you've raised concerns repeatedly, but nothing seems to change. Your child may be struggling academically, emotionally or socially, or coming home overwhelmed after trying to cope throughout the school day.
You might have been told that school doesn't have the funding, that your child doesn't meet the criteria for additional support or that their difficulties aren't significant enough.
It can be incredibly frustrating when you know your child is struggling but aren't sure what the school should be doing or how to move things forward.
At Sladen Advisory, I help families understand their child's educational needs, review the support currently in place and communicate effectively with schools and other professionals.
My approach is collaborative, practical and centred around securing appropriate support for your child.
WHAT SUPPORT SHOULD MY CHILD BE RECEIVING?
If your child has SEND but doesn't have an EHCP:
A child does not need an EHCP or formal diagnosis to receive special educational support.
Mainstream schools have a duty to use their best endeavours to secure the special educational provision required by pupils with SEN.
Support should be based on the child's identified needs, with parents involved in planning and reviewing its effectiveness.
This may include:
Individualised teaching approaches and reasonable adjustments.
Additional interventions or specialist strategies.
Support with communication, learning or emotional regulation.
Adaptations to the school environment.
Involvement from external professionals where appropriate.
Schools should use a graduated approach known as Assess, Plan, Do, Review to identify needs, implement support and evaluate progress.
If your child continues to struggle, it may be appropriate to review their existing SEN Support or consider requesting an EHC needs assessment.
If your child already has an EHCP
An EHCP is a legally binding document.
Section B identifies your child's special educational needs, while Section F specifies the special educational provision required to meet those needs.
The Local Authority has a legal duty to secure the provision specified in Section F.
If your child isn't receiving the support written into their plan, or their needs have changed, you can raise your concerns with the school and Local Authority.
You may also need to consider whether the existing plan requires review or amendment.
What about reasonable adjustments?
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils to avoid substantial disadvantage.
This may involve changes to routines, teaching approaches, communication, the environment or access to additional aids and services.
Reasonable adjustments are not dependent on a child having an EHCP.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I'M CONCERNED?
If you feel your child's needs aren't being met, a useful starting point is to establish what support should be in place, what is actually happening and what needs to change.
Consider:
Identify your concerns. What is your child finding difficult, and how is this affecting their education or wellbeing?
Review existing support. What adjustments, interventions or provision have been agreed?
Gather relevant information. Keep school correspondence, support plans, reports and examples of difficulties.
Communicate your concerns. Request a meeting with the SENCO or relevant member of staff and explain what you would like to discuss.
Agree and review next steps. Ask for clear actions, responsibilities and a date to review progress.
If concerns remain unresolved, further steps may include using the school's complaints procedure, contacting the Local Authority where appropriate or seeking independent SEND advice.
You don't need to approach every concern as a confrontation. Clear, evidence-informed communication can help everyone focus on what your child needs.
HOW CAN SLADEN ADVISORY HELP?
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PRACTICAL SUPPORT
I understand the challenges families face when their child's needs aren't being fully recognised or supported.
As a former Deputy Headteacher within specialist SEMH/SEND education, I've worked extensively with children with complex needs, EHCPs, families, Local Authorities and external professionals.
I can help you make sense of your child's circumstances, understand the information available and develop a clear way forward.
Whether you need help with one specific issue or more comprehensive support, there are different ways we can work together.
One-Off SEND Consultancy
£125/hour
Additional document review or drafting quoted according to scope.
For families who need targeted professional support without committing to a comprehensive package.
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ONE-OFF SEND CONSULTANCY
Need help with a specific concern? Let's tackle it together.
You may not need a comprehensive consultancy package.
Perhaps you need support preparing an email to school, reviewing a response you've received or organising your concerns before an important meeting.
My one-off consultancy service provides focused, personalised guidance for a specific issue.
Support may include:
Reviewing relevant school correspondence and documents.
Helping you identify and organise your concerns.
Formulating professional correspondence to schools or Local Authorities.
Preparing questions and key points for meetings.
Reviewing SEN Support arrangements or proposed adjustments.
Helping you communicate the impact of unmet needs.
Identifying practical next steps.
One-Off SEND Consultancy
£125/hour
Additional document review or drafting quoted according to scope.
For families who need targeted professional support without committing to a comprehensive package.
Clear communication. Professional guidance. A more confident way forward.
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COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY CONSULTANCY
When your child needs more coordinated support.
Some circumstances require more than a single consultation or letter.
If your child has complex needs, ongoing difficulties at school or multiple professionals involved, my consultancy packages provide a more structured approach.
Essential Support Package — £595
A focused review of your child's circumstances, including consultation, relevant documentation and practical recommendations for home and school.
Enhanced Support Package — £1,195
A comprehensive assessment of your child's needs, detailed written report and individualised six-week action plan.
Premium Advocacy & Support Package — £1,895
Comprehensive support including school liaison, attendance at an agreed school meeting, professional recommendations, follow-up reviews and ongoing guidance during the intervention period.
Support designed around your child, your concerns and the outcomes you're working towards.
