SEND Advocacy Services

At Childhood Matters, we always encourage individuals and families to access free information, advice and support services wherever possible and appropriate.

2 people talking on sofa

Whilst signposting to free and charitable resources first and foremost, we recognise that there are times when more personalised guidance, specialist expertise or dedicated advocacy support is needed.

However, we recognise that there are times when more personalised guidance, specialist expertise or dedicated advocacy support is needed. When navigating SEND processes, educational provision, assessments, EHCPs, meetings or disputes, having an experienced advocate alongside you can make a significant difference.

We are committed to providing high-quality SEND advocacy through transparent, cost-effective services that are centred around understanding, collaboration and achieving positive outcomes.

Our advocates combine professional expertise with extensive experience of supporting children, young people, families and educational settings. All advocacy support includes direct contact with an advocate, either virtually or face-to-face, ensuring personalised guidance throughout the process.

Importantly, our advocates are trained by the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA), the leading charity specialising in SEND law. All advice is informed by current legislation, statutory guidance and recognised best practice, including the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice: 0–25 years and relevant equality and disability legislation.

Our aim is to help individuals and families feel informed, confident and empowered, ensuring that their views, wishes and rights are understood, represented and respected throughout their SEND journey

Discovery Call

A one-hour online or telephone consultation with an experienced IPSEA-trained SEND advocate, providing personalised advice, guidance and signposting to help you understand your options and identify appropriate next steps.

When booking, you’ll have the option to add context in a free-text box (max 250 words) — this is entirely optional and there’s no pressure to complete it.

Annual Review or School Meeting Support

Includes advocate preparation time and attendance at an annual review, school meeting or other SEND-related meeting (up to 1.5 hours), providing professional support, guidance and representation throughout.

In-Person Attendance £250 + VAT West Berkshire and surrounding areas only

EHCP Draft Review

A comprehensive review of a draft Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), including consideration of relevant reports and supporting evidence, written recommendations for amendments, and a one-hour online consultation to discuss findings and next steps.

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Application Support

Includes review of available evidence, preparation of supporting information and completion of an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment request, ensuring that the application clearly reflects the child or young person’s strengths, needs and required provision.

Additional Advocacy Support

Additional advocacy, advice, correspondence, casework or meeting preparation can be booked on an hourly basis to provide flexible support tailored to individual circumstances.

SEND and Parenting Support
Senia
Beech Hall
Acer Trust
Mental Health Natters
European Union
Inter-change
Omnia Learning Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust
Haybrook College Trust
Hampshire County Council
Propeller Academy Trust
Emmanuel Schools Foundation
Hamilton Brookes
Derby Diocesan Academy Trust
Oxfordshire County Council
West Berkshire County Council
Inspire Educational Consultancy
British School Muscat
ILM Education Consultants
Blue Sky
LIFE
OTSA
The Gallery Trust
River Learning Trust
Colegio Anglo Colombiano
The White Horse Federation
UNESCO
Secret Link