Does your child have complex special educational needs that require assessment for an E.H.C.P. (Education, Health and Care Plan) application?​

Is your child's E.H.C. Plan fit for purpose?

We are delighted to offer total commitment and a range of experience in the fields of education and law - Early Years, Primary and Secondary Phases - with wide expertise in the support of Special Educational Needs and disabilities across a variety of educational settings. 

Our work includes supporting families around a variety of special educational needs (SEN) such as applications for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), appeals to SEND Tribunal and advising about pupils' SEN or supporting in practical ways for an EHCP Annual Review Meeting, for instance. This is a real passion and we believe that collaboration is key.

If an appeal to SEND Tribunal is necessary, we aim to secure a meaningful EHC Plan ahead of a Hearing and have a high success rate - through carefully prepared appeals and appropriate evidence - providing services such as Parent Advocate and/or representative. 

When offering independent advice for parents, we focus to meet pupils' learning needs and advise on strategies for termly school SEN planning, such as Individual Educational Plans, as well as in seeking Education, Health and Care Plans - for progress and lifelong learning. 

Securing an E.H.C.Plan, step by step:

We work to draft applications for an EHCP from scratch - with and for families - making best use of expert reports, other evidence and often supporting the whole process throughout.

This is usually a demanding period for families as although EHC Plans are intended to be secured within 20 weeks, where required, the process often takes much longer. So we take pride in the friendly, supportive working relationship which we develop over time. This usually includes liaising closely with schools, local authorities and a significant number of experts such as therapists, clinicians and educational psychologists - to secure best outcomes for pupils.

Unhappy with your child's E.H.C. Plan?

We enable parents to appeal against a local authority's Refusal to Issue an E.H.C.P. and appeal for changes to be made to a newly issued EHC Plan (via SENDIST Tribunal) or older EHCP. As each child's case is unique, we will consider options and help provide both clarity and informed choices, for your child's "next steps." 

A Sample of Services:

• advocacy: listening and acting upon parental concerns for pupils, when advising for Special Educational Needs and disabilties: establishing a secure, clear understanding of barriers to learning with valuable expert reports

• representing Parents at SEND tribunal hearings or at a Mediation Meeting with local authorities

• advising and representing families' wishes on options, to support school EHCP Annual Review Meetings, or in drafting school Individual Learning Plans and at other school meetings

• reviewing current Education, Health and Care Plans, in light of changing needs or circumstances such as family relocation and transfer needs

• supporting parents in appeals to the S.E.N.D.Tribunal for Education, Health and Care Plans

• providing expertise in helping parents to work fruitfully with schools in a Way Forward Meeting 

• Services and specialists such as educational psychologists and CAMHS 

• S.E.N. consultancy and advisory roles in nurseries and schools for pupils of 2-19 years old

Together, we offer over thirty years' experience in education. As a former Headteacher of three prep schools and Deputy Headteacher of two local authority primary schools, Jeannette is able to share expertise and provide support for families and pupils of all ages - Nursery to Sixth Form - in local authority and independent schools, as well as special school settings. Daniel has supported pupils with complex needs in terms of their social, emotional and mental health (specialist secondary school) and a wide range of needs across the Primary Phase.

Jeannette has 30+ years' experience in Education and holds the Advanced Diploma in Teaching Children with Specific Learning Difficulties. Daniel holds the Master of Laws (LLM) and a Legal Practice Certificate, previously working across various legal sectors including tribunals as well as in primary (mainstream) and secondary schools (specialist).

Barking & Dagenham, Bracknell Forest, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, Bromley, Cambridge, Camden, East Sussex, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hampshire, Haringey, Kensington & Chelsea, Kent, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Lambeth, Lancashire, Leeds, Lewisham, Liverpool, Medway, Merton, Northampton, Richmond, Southend, Southwark, Surrey, Wandsworth, Westminster and West Sussex.

A SAMPLE of SCHOOL RECOMMENDATION:

Headmaster, Eaton Square School, London

"Jeannette Bidder has worked with Eaton Square School for several years, bringing a wealth of experience in areas of SEND and Safeguarding to both staff and parents. She has been involved with all age groups within the school from Nursery to Year 8, guiding and supporting whenever needed; her advice has been invaluable."