Advocacy
FAQs

1. How do I make sure my emails aren’t missed?

To help us keep your case organised and ensure nothing gets overlooked, please avoid sending multiple emails in quick succession. Instead, try to send one concise email that includes all your questions, updates, or documents together. This helps us track your case efficiently and reduces the chance of important details being missed or separated across several threads.

2. When should I expect to receive a response?

• For initial enquiries, we aim to respond within 2 working days.
• For ongoing casework, our SENCO Advocates aim to reply to emails and queries within 3 working days. If something is urgent or time-sensitive (such as a deadline from school or the Local Authority), please make this clear in the subject line so we can prioritise appropriately.

3. Do you offer face-to-face meetings?

We always prefer to hold initial consultation calls and any follow-up meetings online via Microsoft Teams, as this is usually the quickest and most efficient way to support families. We can also offer face-to-face meetings, for these meetings the client will need to cover the travel time to and from the meeting.

4. What happens during the 15-minute free consultation?

Your initial consultation is a chance to briefly outline your concerns, ask questions, and get clear, early guidance. We’ll identify the key points of your situation, explain your options, and advise whether advocacy support would be beneficial. There is no pressure, commitment, or obligation at this stage.

5. How do you estimate the hours needed for my case?

At the start of your case, we give you an estimated number of hours based on the type of work required (for example: EHCP review, application, mediation, or tribunal). If the work looks likely to exceed our estimate by more than 2 hours, we will let you know immediately before proceeding.

6. What is included in your hourly rate?

Our hourly rate covers all billable work on your case, including:
• Reviewing evidence and documentation
• Drafting position statements, letters, or EHCP contributions
• Preparation for meetings, mediation or tribunal
• Attendance at meetings (online or in person)
• Communications with you, professionals, or the Local Authority
• Case analysis and strategy development
• Admin support

 

Every task is recorded clearly and transparently on your invoice.

7. How are invoices issued and when do I need to pay?

We invoice on the 1st working day of each month for all work undertaken during the previous month. Invoices are due within the payment timeframe stated on the invoice (usually 7 days).

8. Will you speak directly to my child’s school or the Local Authority?

With your consent, yes, when appropriate and agreed with you, we can communicate directly with schools, Local Authorities, and other professionals involved. Some steps require communication from parents directly, and we will always guide you on when this is necessary.

9. Will you meet my child or young person?

Where appropriate, and if your child is willing and able, we may meet them during the assessment or consultation phase. We take a child-centred, neuroaffirming approach, and we will never put pressure on a child to engage, but we equally recognise it’s important that we capture the views of the children/young people we work with.

10. Do you provide legal advice?

Our advocates are highly trained in SEND law and experienced in navigating the SEND system. However, we do not provide regulated legal advice. If legal representation is needed, we will signpost you to qualified legal specialists.

11. Can you guarantee the outcome of my case?

No service can guarantee outcomes in SEN mediation or tribunal. What we can guarantee is that we will:
• Give honest, realistic advice
• Never overpromise
• Represent your child’s needs robustly and professionally
• Support you every step of the way

 

We have a strong track record of successful outcomes because we only take on cases we’ve robustly assessed and are confident have reasonable prospects of success.

12. What happens if my advocate is off sick or on leave?

Your case will continue to be monitored, and deadlines will be flagged internally. If urgent action is required, another advocate may step in to support you. We will always communicate clearly if any temporary change is needed.

13. Do you support families nationwide?

Yes. Because most of our work is carried out online or by phone, we support families throughout the UK. Location only affects travel time if an in-person meeting is specifically requested.

14. How do you handle confidentiality and safeguarding?

All information shared with us is treated with the strictest confidentiality. We follow clear safeguarding procedures and only share information with your consent, unless legally required to do so (e.g., if there is a risk of harm).

15. How do I share documents with you?

We request that you email documents directly to us and where possible, please avoid sending multiple screenshots or several small emails — one clear message with attachments helps us manage your case efficiently.

16. What is the SENse EHCP Scrutiny process?

Our review includes:
1. Evidence – analysing all professional reports
2. Need – checking whether Section B fully reflects your child’s needs
3. Provision – ensuring Section F contains specific, quantified provision
4. Advice – summarising required amendments and next steps

 

You will receive a detailed advice letter and a version of the plan with suggested edits and comments.

17. Can you help if the Local Authority refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?

Yes. We support families through:
• Refusal to Assess appeals
• Refusal to Issue appeals
• Mediation
• Tribunal representation

 

We will guide you on the most strategic approach for your situation.

18. Can you help with school attendance issues, suspensions or risk of exclusion?

Yes. We support with:
• Attendance proceedings
• Disability discrimination concerns
• Unsupported or misunderstood behaviour needs
• Exclusion-related issues

 

These situations are often complex, and we will help you understand your rights and next steps.

19. Do you offer payment plans or subsidised support?

Where possible, we offer payment plans, and we take on a small number of pro bono cases per quarter, prioritising families with significant financial hardship. Availability varies and cannot be guaranteed.

20. What happens when my case comes to an end?

We will:
• Provide any agreed letters, summaries or recommendations
• Confirm next steps or actions you may need to take
• Invite you to share feedback about your experience. Your documents will be retained securely in line with our data protection policy.