hello@futuresadvice.org
Futures
57 Maid Marian Way
Nottingham
NG1 6GE
13th March, 2025
Reading time: Two minutes
Anyone who has worked in education or supported someone with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is aware of the invaluable importance of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). In a school setting, they are essential for ensuring that young people can develop their academic, emotional and social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
When used properly, an EHCP makes sure that each individual has their specific needs supported, helping them to achieve success both in school and with their peers. They also work to foster a sense of trust between families and schools – helping parents to feel reassured that their child is being properly cared for.
EHCPs are legally binding documents, but it isn’t always easy for parents of young people to advocate for their children if an EHCP isn’t being upheld. Complex legal language and lengthy policies can leave families feeling confused about what their rights are. This is what happened to the Hatch family:
The Hatch family had previously received support from the AskUs service in 2021, so when they found themselves needed more advice and guidance in 2024, they knew that they would find the support they were looking for.
Their son’s EHCP was due for a review following an intervention and assessment process, but they found they were coming up against significant roadblocks during the process. The review hadn’t been completed by the agreed date and the lack of communication from the school and Local Authority led to concerns that the EHCP wasn’t being properly followers. The Hatch’s wanted to fight for their son to receive proper support, but they didn’t know what their rights were.
With an EHCP review date still not set, they reached back out to AskUs for help.
Over the next few months, the Hatch family worked with Zana to request the EHCP review and submit a Safeguarding query, as well as being supported to understand various guidance and policies to help them understand their rights. She worked tirelessly to give the family the support and reassurance they were so desperately in need of.
The support offered covered multiple bases, including:
Zana gave us the confidence to fight for the rights of our child and made us feel safe and heard. She has been invaluable to what we have achieved as a family. She has always been there for us and for that we thank her so very much. Without her being with us on this journey, we don’t know where we would have ended.
Thanks to the invaluable support and information provided by Zana, the Hatch family became confident in knowing how to fight for their child to receive the right support. When attending meetings with the school, Local Authority, and other agencies, they have the knowledge to speak up with authority.
As a result, their son now has the EHCP he deserves and a legal document ensuring he will continue to receive the proper support going forward. He is now in school – something that he has struggled to do since 2021, and is applying to colleges to continue his learning, confident in the knowledge that he will get the support he needs wherever he goes.
I ensured that the Hatch family received consistent and accurate information. My commitment to the family was demonstrated via the whole process. As a result of this dedication, their son successfully returned to school, and regained access to the education he’s entitled to. I must emphasise the importance of advocating views and focusing on support that is needed.
If you're in a similar position to the Hatch family and are struggling to know how to properly advocate for your child, support is available. Take your first step to getting the help you deserve by getting in touch today.
hello@futuresadvice.org
Futures
57 Maid Marian Way
Nottingham
NG1 6GE