💛 Back to School Check-In (and a little hello from me)

Hello lovely parents and carers,

As the children head back to school this week, I wanted to check in with you. January can feel heavy — routines restarting, worries resurfacing, and that familiar feeling of “here we go again” when you’re supporting a child with SEND.

Please know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not behind.

📄 What’s happening with SEND right now? (In plain English)

You may have heard talk about a SEND White Paper or “big changes coming”. Here’s what you actually need to know — without the jargon:

• The government has not published the SEND White Paper yet.

• It’s now expected early this year (2026).

• Nothing has changed yet in the law around EHCPs.

• Your child’s current rights still stand.

There has been a lot in the media about:

• EHCPs possibly being limited in the future

• Schools being asked to do more without plans

• SEND costs being “too high”

At the moment, these are ideas being talked about, not decisions. I know headlines can feel frightening — especially if you’ve fought hard for support — but please don’t panic based on press stories alone.

🏫 What this means for your child right now

✔️ EHCPs are still legally binding✔️ Provision must still be delivered✔️ Reviews, reassessments and tribunals continue as normal✔️ Schools and local authorities must still follow the law

If anything, this is a time to:

• Make sure plans are clear, specific and strong

• Keep records

• Ask questions

• Get support early rather than waiting until crisis point

🎙️ My podcast starts this week

I’m really excited (and a little nervous!) to share that my podcast launches this week.

It’s for parents like you — navigating EHCPs, school stress, exclusions, burnout, and the emotional toll of holding everything together.

I’ll be talking about:

• SEND law in real-life language

• What to do when schools say “we can’t”

• Tribunal, mediation and reviews — without fear

• Looking after you while you advocate for your child

Short, honest episodes you can listen to while walking, driving, or having five minutes of quiet.

I’ll share the link very soon 💛

🌱 A gentle reminder

You do not need to:

• Know everything

• Fight every battle today

• Carry this on your own

One step at a time is enough.

If you need support — whether that’s understanding paperwork, planning next steps, or just having someone explain things calmly — my advocacy and consultations are still available.

Thank you for being here.Thank you for trusting me.And most of all — thank you for showing up for your children every single day.

With warmth,Rebekah