Douglas Silas Solicitors

Douglas Silas Solicitors Solicitors Specialising Exclusively In Special Educational Needs
www.SpecialEducationalNeeds.co.uk

(N.B.

IF YOU NEED OUR HELP, PLEASE DON'T MESSAGE HERE BUT GO TO:
https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/make-an-enquiry-online Douglas specialises exclusively in SEN and has done so successfully now for 25 years. He is widely respected by his peers and is both nationally and internationally recognised as a leading expert in his field. During his career, Douglas has successfully advised & represented

thousands of parents of children and young people with SEN/Disability to get the right educational provision or placement, even where they thought that there was no hope left. He specialises in handling the more difficult or complicated cases, sometimes succeeding where parents have already been unsuccessful previously. Douglas’ website www.SpecialEducationalNeeds.co.uk provides a lot of free information about SEN and is also nationally recognised, getting many visitors (both personal and professional) every month. Douglas is physically disabled and uses a wheelchair as he has a rare, neurological condition called Cerebellar Ataxia which affects his speech, eyesight and balance & coordination. But, as he likes to say, it does not affect his life expectancy, cognitive ability, or his sense of humour!

Here's my 'SEN Update' for this week entitled: "DO THINGS NOW THAT YOU NEED TO DO LATER ANYWAY.…" : https://buff.ly/3i5j...
27/04/2026

Here's my 'SEN Update' for this week entitled: "DO THINGS NOW THAT YOU NEED TO DO LATER ANYWAY.…" : https://buff.ly/3i5jqSC

Today, I want to talk about why you should do things now that you need to do later anyway and why most procrastination is really a form of self-betrayal and should be avoided at all costs, wherever and whenever possible.

When something's hanging over your head, waiting doesn't make it feel lighter; it actually makes it feel heavier, as it takes away the peace of knowing you've done it. Every moment is a moment you steal from yourself, because it becomes a weight you carry, draining your focus and energy.

However, if you do something now that you need to do later anyway, you set yourself free. It's so much better to take action today so you can start fresh tomorrow, rather than feeling burdened. You also rest better knowing you've done what needs to be done.

There's a real lightness you feel if you handle what matters now. Immediately, you function so much better, with no nagging guilt, or voice unconsciously telling you everything you need to do. Your future self inherits what your present self has done. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about living.

Here are some examples.

- Do that thing you've been meaning to do when you think of it. Five minutes now, and it's done and gone. But if you leave it, those next few days may turn into weeks, or it may become stale, and you'll also feel it hanging over you. Ring your dentist for that appointment today!

- Start that big project by just taking one simple step a day. Your momentum matters more than your perfection, and taking action tomorrow feels easier if you take action today, as you then feel you’re on a roll.

- Pay what you owe when the bill arrives; late fees and interest don't just cost you money, they cost you your sense of control and confidence. The difference here between doing something during calm or doing it during crisis is often just showing up early.

But not every task that seems to demand attention, deserves urgent action. There's sometimes wisdom in pausing for a moment, thinking about what you need to do, and, in fact, whether you need to do it at all. Sometimes waiting lets you realise what is just noise.

So, today, remember to handle what you know needs handling as soon as possible. Your mind will be clearer, your sleep will be better, and your future self will thank you for it. Remember, try to do things now that you will need to do later anyway!

26/04/2026

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

24/04/2026

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

3. Comparing Your Child to OthersThe Mistake: Parents constantly compare their child's progress to typically developing ...
23/04/2026

3. Comparing Your Child to Others

The Mistake: Parents constantly compare their child's progress to typically developing peers or to other children with similar diagnoses.

Why It Matters: Every child develops at their own pace. Comparison breeds frustration and can lead to unrealistic expectations, which damages both parent-child relationships and the child's self-esteem.

How to Avoid It: Focus on your child's individual progress and celebrate small wins. Track improvements over time rather than measuring against external benchmarks. Remember that progress looks different for every child.

10 Common Mistakes Parents of Children with SEN Make (and how to avoid them) https://www.specialeducationalneeds.co.uk/10-common-mistakes-parents-of-children-with-sen-make-and-how-to-avoid-them.html

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