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Independent SEN advocacy · England · children and young people 0–25

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Child-centred · Constructive · Legally informed

Guidance when the SEN system feels impossible to navigate.

Guided SEN helps families secure the right support, and helps local authorities and schools resolve issues earlier, more lawfully and with less conflict.

Independent advocacy is not the same as legal representation. We explain the law clearly, prepare strong evidence and keep the child at the centre of every decision.

Family meeting with an SEN advocate around a table
Introductory conversations available within a few working days

For families

Someone steady beside you

If you are facing an EHC needs assessment, a thin draft plan, a difficult annual review or a tribunal deadline, you do not have to do it alone.

  • Requests for EHC needs assessments
  • Draft EHCP checks, Sections B and F
  • Meetings, mediation and appeals support
Support for parents

For professionals

Fewer disputes. Better decisions.

Local authorities and schools instruct Guided SEN for training, quality assurance and early resolution — so more children get the right provision without unnecessary escalation.

  • SEND law and decision-making training
  • Plan quality and process reviews
  • Commissioned independent casework
Services for LAs & schools

How we work

Calm process. Strong paperwork. Clear next step.

01

Listen

We start with the child, the papers you already have, and the outcome you need.

02

Map

We identify legal duties, missing evidence and the shortest route to a lawful decision.

03

Guide

Letters, meeting notes, plan amendments and representation that stay professional.

04

Resolve

We aim for the right provision as early as possible — tribunal only when needed.

Why families and professionals instruct us

Advocacy that can sit in the room with both sides.

Parents need a champion. Local authorities need decisions that stand up. Guided SEN is firm on the law, measured in tone, and focused on provision that actually works for the child.

Independent
Legally informed
Constructive

What people say

Quiet competence, not theatre.

“We finally understood what the EHCP was supposed to contain. The meeting changed because we arrived prepared.”

Parent of a Year 6 pupil

“Practical training for case officers. Less theory, more ‘what does a lawful Section F look like?’”

SEND team manager

“Professional, child-centred and easy to work with. Helped us resolve a placement dispute before appeal.”

SENCO

Illustrative examples of typical feedback. Replace with named testimonials once clients consent.

Quick answers

Questions people ask first

Are you a solicitor?

No. Guided SEN provides independent SEN advocacy and training. We are not a law firm and do not give reserved legal advice. Where a solicitor is needed, we will say so plainly.

Do you only work against local authorities?

No. We support parents to obtain the provision the law requires, and we support local authorities and schools to make earlier, higher-quality decisions. We never act for both sides of the same case.

Where do you work?

Online across England, with in-person meeting attendance by arrangement.

How do fees work?

Families usually start with a case review or an introductory conversation. Local authorities and schools can commission day rates, retainers or fixed-scope projects. Ask for a schedule when you get in touch.

Tell us where you are in the process.

A short conversation is often enough to see whether we can help, and how quickly.

Book or enquire