What School Didn’t Tell You

If school says, “We’re doing all we can” — but your child is still struggling — don’t stop there.

Your child has a legal right to support, even without a formal diagnosis.

Let’s break it down.

SEND Support (this should come first)

All schools have a duty to identify and support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Your child can be placed on the SEND register and receive extra help like:

• Movement breaks
• Visual timetables
• Quiet zones
• Adapted homework or classroom tasks
• 1:1 or small group interventions

You should be involved in reviewing this support termly. If you’re not — ask.

EHCPs: Education, Health and Care Plans

If the support above isn’t enough, your child may need an EHCP. This is a legally binding document that outlines your child’s needs and the provision required.

You don’t need the school’s permission to apply — you can do it yourself through your local authority. If they refuse, you have a right to appeal.

📌 An EHCP gives your child legal protection and extra funding — especially important if they’re masking at school or at risk of exclusion.

Your rights as a parent:

• Your child is protected under the Equality Act
• Schools must make “reasonable adjustments”
• Your child cannot be sent home regularly without it being recorded as exclusion
• You are allowed to ask questions, challenge decisions, and request assessments

This might sound overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it all out in one go.

One step at a time — and we’ll guide you through.