Back to School: A Calm Checklist for SEND Parents This Term

Back to School: A Calm Checklist for SEND Parents This Term

January can feel like a deep breath and a heavy sigh all at once.

The school gates reopen, routines return, emails start landing — and for parents of children with SEND, that familiar knot in the stomach often comes back with it.

So this blog is not about doing everything.It’s about knowing what matters most this term, in a way that feels manageable, calm, and grounded.

First — a gentle reminder

Nothing has changed yet in SEND law.

EHCPs are still legally binding.Provision must still be delivered.Reviews, assessments and tribunals still follow the same legal framework.

Despite headlines and speculation, your child’s rights remain in place right now.

You are not late.You are not failing.And you do not have to fix everything at once.

A Practical SEND Checklist for This Term

If your child has an EHCP

Start by revisiting just three sections of the plan:

• Section B – Needs

• Section F – Provision

• Section I – Placement

Ask yourself:

• Is the support clear and specific?

• Is it actually happening?

• Does it still match how my child is presenting now?

If support isn’t being delivered as written, begin a simple written record:dates, missed sessions, changes, and communication.This is not about conflict — it’s about clarity.

If an Annual Review is due this term, start preparing early. Write down:

• what is not working

• where needs have changed

• what your child is struggling with day to day

You do not have to wait for a review to raise concerns if things are slipping.

Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)

If your child receives Speech and Language Therapy, check:

• Do you have sessions booked?

• Are they NHS or private?

• Has therapy quietly stopped or reduced?

If SaLT is written into Section F of an EHCP, it is not optional.Staffing issues, funding problems or service pressures are not lawful reasons for non-delivery.

You are entitled to ask:

• Who is delivering the therapy?

• How often?

• What targets are being worked on?

At home, it’s reasonable to request:

• simple strategies

• practical guidance

• visuals or routines rather than long reports

Speech and Language Therapy should support real communication, not just paperwork.

Assessments (Educational Psychologist, OT, SaLT, diagnostic)

If an assessment is happening this term:

• Ask what the purpose is

• Ask what questions it is meant to answer

• Share your concerns in writing beforehand

If you’re waiting:

• Chase politely but firmly

• Ask for timescales

• Keep communication factual and brief

When reports arrive:

• Check for clear needs

• Look for recommendations that are specific and measurable

• If wording is vague, ask for clarification early — before it feeds into an EHCP

Labels matter less than clear outcomes and provision.

Communicating with school

Where possible:

• Keep communication in writing

• Ask for meeting notes and action points

• Follow up verbal conversations with a short email

A simple sentence like“Please can you confirm this in writing”can make a huge difference.

You are allowed to ask questions.You are allowed to slow things down.You are allowed to advocate calmly.

And finally — you matter too

Choose one priority for this term.Rest is not giving up — it’s regulation.You do not need to carry this alone.

SEND parenting is relentless. Support is not a luxury — it’s essential.

A small update from me

My podcast launches this week, created especially for parents navigating EHCPs, school challenges, assessments and burnout.

Short, honest episodes.No jargon.Real talk, real reassurance.

I’ll share the link very soon.

Free support if you need it

If you’re feeling unsure about next steps, I offer FREE 15-minute consultations for parents and carers.

These are a chance to:

• sense-check your situation

• ask questions

• work out what matters most next

You can book by emailing:📧 rebekah@independentsendehcp.co.uk

My new website is currently being created as we speak, and booking will soon be available online too.

If you need help understanding paperwork, preparing for reviews, or knowing what to do when support isn’t happening — you don’t have to work it out alone.

You are doing more than enough.And your child is lucky to have you.

With warmth,Rebekah