Douglas Silas Solicitors

15/10/2026

Parent Guide 38: Should I Keep Records and Paperwork?

🟢 Quick Answer
Yes. Keeping clear, organised records can make a huge difference throughout your child's SEN journey. Save important letters, emails, reports and meeting notes in one place. You don't need an elaborate filing system. The aim is simply to be able to find important information quickly whenever you need it. Good records reduce stress, improve communication and help you understand how your child's support has developed over time.

https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/parent-guides.html

14/10/2026

Q: What does EP or Ed Psych mean?

A: Educational Psychologist.
A specialist who assesses learning, cognitive development, emotional needs and behaviour, and recommends support strategies.

14/10/2026

On Judgment from Others (Dads):

"Other dads at work don't get it. They think SEN is a 'mum thing'. When I mention my son's dyslexia, they change the subject. The isolation from my own peer group is real."
James, parent of a child with dyslexia, 10

What Parents of Children with SEN Actually Say https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/what-parents-of-children-with-sen-actually-say.html

13/10/2026

Parent Guide 81: What Is a Mediation Adviser?

🟢 Quick Answer
A mediation adviser explains how the mediation process works and helps parents understand their options. Their role is to provide information about mediation rather than to decide who is right or wrong. They do not make decisions about your child's EHCP, and they do not represent either you or the local authority.



Read more at:
https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/parent-guides.html

13/10/2026

On The Unexpected Positives:

"He's the kindest, most empathetic child I know. His struggles have given him compassion."
Leonora, parent of a child with dyslexia, 10

What Parents of Children with SEN Actually Say https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/what-parents-of-children-with-sen-actually-say.html

12/10/2026

I know many parents are currently receiving amended EHCPS for secondary transfers they'll be unhappy with and want to appeal, so I 'm posting videos here now to help them.

Here's one from the list below (with timings):

- "What is an appeal to the SEND Tribunal?" (1m)
- "How do you appeal to the SEND Tribunal?" (1m 1s)
- “How long does an appeal take?" (1m 6s)
-“What must the LA prove in SEND Tribunal appeals?” (1m 1s)
- “Do you need advice or representation when appealing?" (1m 3s)
- “What is mediation?" (1m 10s)
- "Should you use the LA’s expert evidence in appeals?” (1m 1s)
- "Do you need independent expert evidence for appeals?” (1m 10s)
- “Should you ask independent experts to visit settings?" (1m)

You can find these at 'FAQs About Appeals in the SEND Tribunal': https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/faqs-about-appeals-in-the-send-tribunal.html

There are also videos called:

- "How do you appeal if you dispute the LA's secondary school?” (52s)
- “How long does an appeal take for a secondary school if a child has an EHC plan?" (57s)
-“Are decisions quick for secondary school appeals if a child has an EHC plan?" (56s)

You can find these at: https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/faqs-about-secondary--post-16-transfers.html

Or here are longer videos called: 'How To Win A SEN Appeal' (Making An Appeal ( Part 1)/The Hearing (Part 2): https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/how-to-win-a-sen-appeal-videos.html

12/10/2026

On Friendships and Social Isolation:

"She eats lunch alone every day. The school says she 'prefers it that way'. She doesn't - she's been rejected."
Betty, parent of a child with autism, 12

What Parents of Children with SEN Actually Say https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/what-parents-of-children-with-sen-actually-say.html

12/10/2026

🤔 Here's my thought for this week, entitled: "Resistance Training for the Mind…" :

12th October 2026 click on title to listen to this article Today I want to talk to you about Resistance Training for the Mind and explain how you build any skill or ability, as the process is more …

11/10/2026

On Mainstream vs Specialist School Decisions:

"He's bright, working at greater depth in maths, but has the emotional age of a three-year-old. Where does he fit?"
Caroline, parent of a child with ASD, 10

What Parents of Children with SEN Actually Say https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/what-parents-of-children-with-sen-actually-say.html

11/10/2026

Parent Guide 75: What Happens After an Annual Review?

🟢 Quick Answer
After an Annual Review, the school prepares a record of the meeting and sends the relevant information to the local authority. The local authority then considers what was discussed and decides whether the EHCP should remain unchanged, be amended or, in some circumstances, cease. Parents should be informed of the decision and the next steps.



Read more at:
https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/parent-guides.html