On the 14th March, 2025 at 7pm, we held our second webinar on the EHCP application process led by SENCO, Nana Konadu Aboagye where she covered areas such as common mistakes to avoid, how to write a strong application and what to do if your application is rejected. The webinar was hosted by Gertrude Asumadu, Project Coordinator for the Autism I am Not a Stigma project.
The interactive session lasted for an hour and 20 minutes and ended with Nana answering questions from parents in attendance and with some parents also sharing their experiences with the EHCP application process.
Throughout the session, it became increasingly clear that while many local authority websites provide resources aimed at assisting SEND parents, there is a significant disparity in the level of support actually delivered. Not every local authority fulfills its statutory obligations, which raises serious concerns for both vulnerable young people and their families. This inconsistency can lead to inadequate support systems, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to advocate for their children effectively.
Nana shared, “Having the opportunity to share my insights and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training I have received on SEND law has been incredibly rewarding. Empowering parents who often feel helpless in their fight for essential support is crucial in ensuring their children can progress within the educational system”.
She added, “It is always a profound privilege to share knowledge with fellow mothers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and to raise awareness about the intricacies of SEND laws and the process of navigating Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs)”.
Through our ‘Autism I am Not a Stigma’ campaign, we aim to continuously raise awareness about SEND laws and the processes involved but also effectively support and advocate for children’s unique needs. This empowerment not only benefits children with autism but also fosters a more informed and supportive community for all SEND families.