Friendships are often described as a “normal” part of childhood – something that just happens, something every child should have, something schools assume will fall into place. But for many neurodivergent (ND) children and young people, this simply isn’t the reality. Parents know it and children absolutely do feel it. Professionals suspect it but sadly nobody has ever asked the question openly, gathered the data, and documented the truth.
Bridget Phillipson’s “This is What Progress Looks Like” Attendance Stats: Let’s Look Deeper!
When the Education Secretary posted “this is what progress looks like” and then turned off comments, she highlighted only the most flattering parts of the new DfE attendance statistics. The full dataset tells a more complicated story especially for children with SEND, who sit at the heart of the government’s “inclusion for everyone” reforms.
Why Schools Refuse to Start the EHCP Process — And What Parents Can Do Next
When a school refuses to request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA), it can feel personal, dismissive, and deeply frustrating. But in reality, refusals almost always fall into one of three categories and once you know which one you’re dealing with, you can take clear, strategic next steps.
Here are the three reasons a school typically gives for refusing to initiate the process:
BULLYING, TRAUMA & CAMHS GATEKEEPING WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
We are seeing a sharp rise in bullying, school‑based trauma, and mental health crises in neurodivergent children as communicated in our group by SEND Parents – and a rise in CAMHS refusing referrals because children “don’t meet criteria”.
Here is what the data shows, what this means for ND children, and what you can do if CAMHS gatekeep.
Understanding OCD, ADHD & Autism in CYP.
For many families in our community, the journey toward understanding their child’s needs is anything but straightforward. CYP rarely present in neat diagnostic boxes, and when traits from OCD, ADHD, and Autism overlap, the picture becomes even more complex. This overlap can lead to misinterpretation, delayed identification, and support plans that don’t quite fit what the child actually needs.
Requesting Further Assessments From The LA during EHCPNA
When the LA Claims “We Don’t Have a Duty to Seek Advice”. Here’s the Law They Don’t Want You to Quote..
Will the Tribunal Choose the Cheaper School? Myth vs Reality And How Parents Can Protect Their Case
A common fear when heading to SEND Tribunal is the idea that the judge will simply choose the cheaper school. Many parents are told this by their Local Authority, caseworkers, or even schools but it is not how the law works. The SEND Tribunal does not start with cost. It starts with NEED. View provision v’s placement and how to evidence it in this blog – click here.
Below is a clear breakdown of how placement decisions are made, why the “cheaper school myth” persists, and what parents can do to strengthen their case.
Right To Choose Pauses – Is this lawful?
There’s a lot of worry right now about Right to Choose (RTC) ADHD/Autism assessments being “paused” in some areas, including parts of West Yorkshire. Before anyone panics, it’s important we understand why this is happening and what your rights actually are.
Why Rebutting The LA’s R1 Response To Your Appeal Is Absolutely Essential For Tribunal
When a Local Authority submits their R1 response to SENDIST, many parents feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or even blindsided by the volume of inaccuracies, omissions, and tactical framing. But here’s the truth every parent advocate needs to know:
What Is the Dynamic Support Register (DSR)?
The Dynamic Support Register is a statutory tool used by local areas to identify autistic children and young people (and adults) who are at risk of crisis, hospital admission, or placement breakdown.
