SEND Talk

Is the local authority refusing to carry out an EHC needs assessment? In this episode of the SEND Talk podcast, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella explain what a refusal to assess decision means and what steps you can take if you want to challenge it. They cover why the decision letter is so important, how mediation works, and how the legal test for assessment is...

Need to change your child’s school? Not sure where to start? In this episode of the SEND Talk podcast, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella explain exactly what to do if you want to change your child’s school place. Whether your child has an EHC plan, is going through an EHC needs assessment, or doesn’t have a plan at all, this episode covers the different processes...

Not getting the support promised in your child’s EHC plan? In this episode of the SEND Talk podcast, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS advisor Laura Nardella break down what to do if your child isn’t receiving the support listed in Section F of their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. If you’re unsure what should be in place, or feel stuck after multiple chats with school, this epi...

Did you know that you can appeal if you're unhappy with the named school in your child's EHC plan? In this episode of the SEND Talk podcast, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella guide you through the process of appealing the named school or college in your child's EHC plan.  This step-by-step guide covers where to start, the necessary information and for...

Your child could qualify for support from the local authority in getting to and from school.     In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella look at the circumstances and eligibility criteria for home-to-school transport, including exploring the law, policy and statutory guidance around this and the application process.  This is part of our FAQ series, whi...

Every child with an educational health care plan (EHC) will be sent a draft plan first. We know it’s a big document with lots of sections, so we’re here to help you check it. In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella take you through all the sections of a draft EHC plan, including where to start and lots of great advice to help you. Have your draft EHC p...

Has your child been sent home from school and are you unsure if it’s an official suspension?   In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella explain what constitutes an unofficial suspension or an official one, including definitions, the processes and your next steps as a parent.  This is part of our FAQ series, which focuses on the commonly asked questions...

A draft EHC plan has a question that stumps lots of people - ‘Do you want a personal budget?’ In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella explain educational personal budgets as part of your draft EHC plan. This is part of our FAQ series, which focuses on the commonly asked questions we get asked here at SENDIASS. Talking points in this episode [00.00] Pod...

Did you know that you can appeal if you're unhappy with a decision made by the local authority about an EHC plan or an EHC needs assessment?  In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella take you through the reasons why you would appeal to a SEND Tribunal, what can be appealed, and the first steps to take if you are considering this process. This is part of...

After an educational health care needs assessment is sent, the local authority will send you a ‘Notice of Consideration’ letter. But these letters can prove a little confusing! In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella take you through the whys and what fors of a ‘notice of consideration letter’, why you get sent them, what they mean and how you can resp...

Perhaps a friend, colleague, local authority or school has advised that you call SENDIASS. But just what is SENDIASS? In this episode, your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull and SENDIASS adviser Laura Nardella take you through the SENDIASS service and the SEND-related support we offer to young people, parents and professionals. Talking points in this episode [00.00] Podcast & episode introduction [0...

A review is an essential step in having an education, health and care plan (EHCP). They’re vital to see if things are working (or not!), if are there items that need changing, and most importantly are you or your child with SEND progressing. In this episode, we discuss what that annual review process looks like, including when they happen, early reviews, and organising the meeting. Joining your ho...

An education, health and care plan is something you may have heard about if you or your child has SEN. But sometimes it can be difficult to navigate all the information that comes with them. In this episode, we discuss all things EHCP, from what they are, the process of getting one, and all the guidance surrounding them. Joining your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull in this episode is Andrew Lomax an a...

It’s OK to feel unsure about what to do at a school meeting. Should you take notes? What about when the meeting has ended? So in this episode, we discuss what happens at a school meeting, what you need to bring, and how to follow up when it’s all happened. Joining your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull in this episode is Laura Nardella an adviser at SENDIASS Manchester and once again Siarah, a parent wh...

School meetings about you or your child with SEND don’t have to be scary. The secret to successful meetings is all in the preparation. In this episode, we discuss the steps to prepare for a school meeting to ensure it goes smoothly and you get what you need out of them! Joining your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull in this episode is Laura Nardella an adviser at SENDIASS Manchester and Siarah, a parent...

Having special educational needs doesn’t mean that your school isn’t equipped to support you or your child. In this episode, we discuss what that support can look like and how to ask for it Joining your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull in this episode is Jill Carr a case worker at SENDIASS Manchester and Alison, a parent whose child has received SEND support in their school. - Talking points in this ep...

Are you a parent/carer that had a child with special educational needs and disabilities or SEND for short? Or are you a young person navigating the world with SEND? Are you unsure how best to support yourself or your child? We know that trying to find the right SEND advice and support can be overwhelming, so we’ve made the SEND Talk podcast especially for you. It’s a helpful podcast series from SE...