Expert guidance on your SEND journey
The SMS Foundation UK has partnered with the SEND Consultancy Service to ensure families living with Smith-Magenis syndrome can access expert advice and guidance on education, health, and care. We know that navigating the SEND system can often feel overwhelming, and every child’s journey is different. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Annette and her specialist consultancy, who bring both professional expertise and practical experience of local authority processes.
Through this partnership, we are able to offer a one-hour consultations for parent carers (the cost of this consultation is fully covered by the SMS Foundation, so there is no charge to families). These sessions provide clear, practical advice on where you are in your SEND journey and what your next steps might look like. Whether you’re just starting out with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), preparing for a review, or facing challenges with your local authority, the SEND Consultancy Service can help.
All requests for support are made directly through the SMS Foundation, ensuring that families within our community are prioritised and fully supported.
About SEN and Disability Consultancy Service
The main aim of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Service is to work in partnership with parent carers to ensure that children and young people have their needs met and they can progress and flourish.
“Your knowledge, kindness, caring nature and your absolute passion to see children with special educational needs get the best opportunities could never be replaced. You are someone I admire, respect and hold dear in my heart”
By using SEND Consultancy Service you will have access to someone who is highly trained and experienced in the legislation and guidance that applies to special educational needs and disabilities. Whilst also having real practical insight into the processes and practices of local authorities, having in the past worked within a local authority for many years.
“My child would not have got half of what they have now without your support, intervention and holding many people to account“
Training has been provided to parent carer forums and various charities.
“Annette’s presentation was better quality and more valuable in terms of advice given…She managed to fit all of the key points into 1.5 hours last week…I would have no hesitation in using Annette for advice going forwards and whilst it may have been a useful opportunity for her to market her services, it’s win-win as it will help people like me”
One of the aims is to seek an early resolution of disagreements wherever possible as this is in the best interests of the child or young person and their families.
Should resolution not be possible then support can be given regarding SEN and Disability Tribunal appeals.
“You made even the bad days bearable for me, when I lost hope and the fight became too overwhelming, you were the light at the end of a very, very dark tunnel“
What can we help you with?
- Help in requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment.
- Checking of the EHC Plan for accuracy, specificity and quantification.
- Support in requesting a school/educational placement.
- Preparing for a Transfer Review, Annual or Interim Review.
- Advice and/or advocacy in challenging local authority decisions.
- Support in Mediation sessions.
- Working with you in the preparation of Tribunal cases.
- Representation at Tribunal hearings.
Request a Referral
If you would like to book a free consultation, please complete our SEND Consultation referral form using the button below.