Considering a SEND Consultant, Advocate or Adviser

Parents and carers sometimes seek additional support when navigating SEND processes such as Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, EHC plans, annual reviews or SEND Tribunal appeals.

Some families choose to use an independent SEND consultant, advocate or adviser, whilst others access free information, advice and support through services such as SENDIASS.

There is no requirement to pay for support in order to access your rights within the SEND system.

Following feedback from parents and schools we have created this section in the Local Offer to outline; what a SEND consultant is, what they do, if you need one, what good support looks like and questions you can ask.

There are a variety of SEND consultants operating nationally and locally. Unlike some professions, SEND consultants are not currently regulated and there are no mandatory qualifications required to work in this role.

For this reason, parents and carers may wish to carefully consider a consultant's experience, training and approach before engaging their services.

If you are considering paying for support, it is important to make an informed choice.

Remember

The best SEND support should help you:

Understand your rights.
Make informed decisions.
Feel confident expressing your views.
Keep your child's needs at the centre of discussions.
Work constructively with professionals wherever possible.

Any adviser, advocate or consultant should help families move towards these goals, rather than creating unnecessary conflict or confusion.

Not necessarily.

Many parents and carers successfully navigate SEND processes without paying for representation.

Families can access free information, advice and support from services such as SENDIASS, schools, colleges and parent carer organisations. These services can help parents understand SEND law, their rights and available options.

Some families choose to purchase additional support, whilst others do not. The right choice will depend on individual circumstances.

However, parents should never feel they have to spend large amounts of money in order for their child's needs to be recognised or their views to be heard.

Not necessarily.

Many parents and carers successfully navigate SEND processes without paying for representation.

Some families choose to purchase additional support, whilst others do not. The right choice will depend on individual circumstances.

However, parents should never feel they have to spend large amounts of money in order for their child's needs to be recognised or their views to be heard.

SEND consultants may offer services such as:

Advice about SEND law and guidance.
Support preparing for meetings.
Help understanding EHC plans and annual reviews.
Assistance with letters and paperwork.
Advocacy during discussions with schools, colleges, local authorities or other services.
Support with SEND Tribunal appeals.

SEND consultants may offer services such as:

Advice about SEND law and guidance.
Support preparing for meetings.
Help understanding EHC plans and annual reviews.
Assistance with letters and paperwork.
Advocacy during discussions with schools, colleges, local authorities or other services.
Support with SEND Tribunal appeals.

A good SEND consultant, advocate or adviser should:

Help you understand your rights, options and responsibilities.

Explain SEND law and processes clearly and accurately.

Give balanced advice, including discussing both strengths and challenges in your case.

Support you to express your own views rather than speaking over you.

Help you feel informed and confident to make decisions.

Focus on the needs, wishes and outcomes of your child or young person.

Promote respectful and constructive communication between families and professionals.

Be open to exploring a range of possible solutions rather than focusing on only one approach.

Understand that processes and services can differ between local authority areas and take time to understand local arrangements.

Empower families, not create dependency on their support.

A good SEND consultant, advocate or adviser should:

Help you understand your rights, options and responsibilities.

Explain SEND law and processes clearly and accurately.

Give balanced advice, including discussing both strengths and challenges in your case.

Support you to express your own views rather than speaking over you.

Help you feel informed and confident to make decisions.

Focus on the needs, wishes and outcomes of your child or young person.

Promote respectful and constructive communication between families and professionals.

Be open to exploring a range of possible solutions rather than focusing on only one approach.

Understand that processes and services can differ between local authority areas and take time to understand local arrangements.

Empower families, not create dependency on their support.

Before engaging a consultant, advocate or adviser, you may wish to ask:

Qualifications and Experience

What qualifications or training do you have in SEND law and practice?
Can you provide evidence of your qualifications or training?
How do you keep your knowledge and understanding up to date?
What experience do you have supporting families with similar issues?
What understanding do you have of services and processes in Hampshire?

References and Reputation

Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
How long have you been providing SEND support?
Do you belong to any professional organisations or networks?

Costs

What are your fees?
What services are included?
Are there any additional charges?
Are there likely to be costs for private assessments or reports?
Will I receive a written agreement outlining fees and services?

Insurance and Data Protection

Do you hold professional indemnity insurance?
What would happen if you were unable to continue supporting me?
How do you store personal information?
Do you comply with GDPR requirements?

Be Cautious If Someone:

You may wish to proceed with caution if a consultant:

Guarantees a particular outcome.
Claims they can secure an EHC plan, a specific school placement or a tribunal decision.
Presents only one solution and is unwilling to discuss alternatives.
Encourages conflict as the first or only way forward.
Dismisses the professional views of everybody involved with your child.
Pressures you into purchasing additional services.
Makes claims that cannot be explained or supported by SEND legislation or guidance.
Speaks for you rather than helping you share your own views.

Where possible, the most effective outcomes are often achieved when families and professionals work together respectfully, share information openly and remain focused on the child or young person's needs.