Success Stories
Every family’s circumstances are different, and no outcome can be guaranteed. These anonymised examples show how clear evidence, careful preparation and a focused strategy can help parents challenge decisions made by the LA.
We Were Told There Wasn't Enough Evidence for an EHCP
After months of being told there wasn't enough evidence to secure an EHCP, this family felt they had reached a dead end. Despite their concerns, they were no closer to obtaining the assessment their daughter needed.
I carried out a detailed review of the available evidence and prepared a structured EHC needs assessment (EHCNA) application, ensuring the legal threshold was clearly evidenced and supported.
Just two weeks after the application was submitted, the LA agreed to carry out an EHC needs assessment.
The family is now progressing through the statutory assessment process with ongoing support at each stage.
"After many months of being told we did not have enough evidence to secure an EHCP, John-Paul carefully reviewed our circumstances and quickly prepared our EHCNA application. Within two weeks, the local authority agreed to carry out an assessment, giving us renewed confidence that we are finally on the path to securing the support our daughter needs."
Parent - EHCP Application Support
"I Almost Accepted the First Draft EHCP"
The challenge
After finally receiving a draft EHCP, this parent was exhausted by the process and was close to accepting it without making any amendments.
A detailed review revealed that key sections were vague, lacked specificity and contained provision that would have been difficult to enforce if left unchanged.
The support
I carried out a full Draft EHCP Review, identifying weaknesses in the wording, recommending legally enforceable amendments and helping the parent respond to the LA with structured representations throughout the drafting process.
The outcome
Instead of accepting an inadequate draft, the parent was able to challenge the EHCP with confidence, ensuring it more accurately reflected their child's needs and the provision required.
"I almost just read the first draft and accepted it because I thought it would be easier, but it wasn't accurate, it wasn't specific and it wasn't legally enforceable. John made the whole process so much easier and gave me the confidence to challenge the Local Authority."
Parent - EHCP Draft Review Service
Preferred specialist school secured before Tribunal
A family approached me after the LA proposed a placement they did not believe could meet their child’s needs.
Their preferred specialist school had not been properly progressed, and they were facing a Tribunal appeal over Section I of the EHCP.
I reviewed the evidence, supported the family with the Working Document and helped them challenge the consultation process and the suitability of the proposed placement.
Before the final hearing, the LA changed its position and agreed to name the family’s preferred specialist school.
“I could not have done it without John-Paul’s support. Thank you for helping us through such a stressful journey.”
Parent - SEND Tribunal Service
Tribunal Success: Non-Section 41 School Agreed
The challenge
A family appealed after the LA named a mainstream school, despite believing it could not meet their child's special educational needs. They were also seeking suitable home-to-school transport.
The support
The family received strategic support throughout the Tribunal process, including reviewing the evidence, preparing the appeal and negotiating with the LA as the case progressed.
The outcome
Before the final hearing, the LA conceded almost every disputed issue, including the contents of the EHCP and the need for an independent special school. Appropriate transport arrangements were also secured, avoiding the need for the Tribunal to determine the remaining issues.
"Amazing. John-Paul really helped me through the whole Tribunal process. The LA conceded almost all of the EHCP and agreed to the independent special school. I believe it wouldn't have happened without his help."
Parent - SEND Tribunal Service
"We Didn't Know What to Say at the Annual Review"
The challenge
This family had reached their child's Annual Review but were unsure how to respond to the school's recommendations or whether the EHCP still accurately reflected their child's needs. Like many parents, they felt overwhelmed by the process and concerned about saying the wrong thing.
The support
I carried out a detailed review of the EHCP and Annual Review paperwork, identifying the amendments needed and preparing clear, evidence-based representations for the LA.
The outcome
The family submitted a structured response with confidence, knowing the proposed amendments reflected their child's needs and gave them the strongest possible position for the next stage of the EHCP process.
"Having someone take the mental load off when it comes to EHCP reviews has been invaluable, and it's something we only wish we'd done sooner. John-Paul's knowledge, efficiency and support made the whole process so much easier and far less stressful."
Parent - Annual Review Service