Preparing for Your Ehcp: What Every parent Should Know!
- Rebekah Advocate
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
Many parents I support find themselves heading into appeal after a long and exhausting journey — often even after mediation, where the Local Authority (LA) still fails to act lawfully. You are not alone in this. Sadly, this is a common experience, and it’s one that takes both emotional strength and practical preparation to face.
🕒 1. Know Your Appeal Rights and Timeframe
The first step is understanding your right to appeal and the deadline for doing so. You usually have two months from the date on the LA’s decision letter, or one month from the date of your mediation certificate — whichever is later.
Missing this window can mean having to start the process again, so mark the date and stay organised from the beginning.
📑 2. Gather Everything You Need to Lodge the Appeal
Before you submit, make sure you have:
The LA decision letter (for refusal to assess, issue, or amend)
Your mediation certificate (if applicable)
A clear and detailed grounds of appeal statement
Any supporting evidence — reports, school records, emails, or professional input
Having these ready not only strengthens your case but helps you stay calm and confident through the process.
🤝 3. Choose the Right Level of Support for You
Every family’s situation is different. That’s why I offer two flexible options for appeal support:
✏️ DIY with Guidance: A 1:1 session to help you build and lodge your own appeal. This includes advice, a checklist, and ongoing email guidance — offered for a smaller donation to keep it accessible.
🧾 Fully Supported Appeal: A complete, hands-on service where I prepare, review, and manage your appeal alongside you — from drafting grounds to liaising with the LA.
Parents tell me that having choice makes all the difference. Many want to stay in control but still have someone experienced to lean on — someone who knows the system and has lived through it too.
💬 A Final Word from Me
Let’s be honest — most of us have been lied to, fobbed off, dismissed, and left feeling anxious or even traumatised by the EHCP process. It’s okay to acknowledge that. You’re not weak — you’re human, and you’re doing your absolute best for your child.
Take things step by step, stay informed, and remember:
> You are the expert on your child. You have rights. And you deserve to be heard.
If you need help preparing or lodging your appeal, feel free to reach out — whether you just need a one-off session or full support. You don’t have to do it alone.
💚
Rebekah Herbert
Independent SEND EHCP Advisor
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