Author: admin

If your child has been out of school for weeks — or even months — due to anxiety, unmet SEND needs, school refusal, or lack of a suitable placement, you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not powerless.

Many families believe they have to wait for an EHCP, a new school place, or a tribunal before their child can access education again. But there’s one powerful section of the law that changes everything — and most parents have never heard of it.

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💡 What Is Section 19 of the Education Act 1996?

Section 19 places a legal duty on your local authority (LA) to provide suitable education to any child who cannot attend school — for any reason, including:

• Mental health difficulties or school-related anxiety
• Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
• Exclusion or off-rolling
• No school place due to SEN/disability

The education doesn’t need to be in a school — it could be home tuition, online lessons, or a bespoke package. But it must be suitable for your child’s age, ability, and needs.

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🚨 “But I Don’t Have an EHCP — Does That Matter?”

No. You do not need an EHCP to invoke Section 19.

The only requirement is that your child is of compulsory school age and not receiving a suitable education — whether temporarily or long-term. The LA cannot delay action by blaming waiting lists, staff shortages, or paperwork. The duty applies now.

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🧠 Why So Many Families Get Stuck

We hear this all the time:

“The school said they referred to the LA, but nothing’s happened.”
“I didn’t know I could write to the council myself.”
“No one told me about Section 19.”

Local authorities often don’t proactively act unless parents assert their rights in writing. That’s where our free template can help.

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✉️ Take Action: Use Our Free Section 19 Letter Template

If your child is out of school and not receiving suitable education, you can write to the LA yourself using the letter below. It references the legal duty under Section 19 and requests urgent provision.

You don’t need legal training. You don’t need to wait. You just need to ask — in writing.

👇 Download or copy the full letter here:

👉 DOWNLOAD PDF

(TEMPLATE BELLOW COPY/PASTE)

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Re: Provision of Suitable Education for [Child’s Name] (DOB: [dd/mm/yyyy]) under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996

Dear [Director of Children’s Services / Name if known],

I am writing to formally request immediate educational provision for my son/daughter, [Child’s Full Name], who has been out of school and without access to a suitable, full-time education since [insert date], due to [brief reason – e.g. anxiety/EBSA/lack of placement/exclusion].

As you are aware, Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 places a statutory duty on the local authority to provide suitable education for any child of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion, or otherwise, is unable to attend a suitable school.

[Child’s Name] remains without an appropriate full-time education. While I understand that [school name] has contacted the LA regarding this matter, I have yet to receive any meaningful communication, plan, or provision from the authority.

I therefore request that:

1. You confirm, in writing, what steps the LA is taking to fulfil its legal duty under Section 19.
2. Suitable interim education is arranged and delivered without further delay — such as home tuition, online learning, or an alternative placement.
3. A named case officer is provided so that I can liaise directly regarding provision for my child.

Please treat this as an urgent matter. The lack of provision is impacting my child’s well-being, mental health, and right to education — and if this is not resolved promptly, I will be forced to consider escalating this via formal complaint, pre-action protocol, or judicial review.

I look forward to your reply within 10 working days.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]

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💛 You’re Not Failing. The System Is.

If your child is out of education, don’t let the system make you feel like it’s your fault. The law is clear. And you have the right to hold them to it.

Need more support?
🟡 Visit AskEllie.co.uk — our free AI assistant can help you understand your rights, write letters, and take action confidently.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Section 19” thrown around in forums or Facebook comments — usually when a child’s out of school with no plan. But what actually is it? And why is no one talking about it?

Let’s break it down.

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⚖️ Section 19 — The Basics

Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 says that if a child can’t attend school — because of illness, anxiety, SEND needs or any other reason — the local authority has a legal duty to arrange suitable education.

Not a favour.
Not “if they feel like it.”
A legal duty.

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🚨 When Does Section 19 Apply?

If your child is of compulsory school age and has been out of school for 15 or more school days (either in a row or broken up), then technically, Section 19 kicks in.

And here’s the part no one tells you:
It doesn’t matter if you’re waiting for an EHCP.
It doesn’t matter if you’re “in between placements.”
It doesn’t matter if the school says “we’re still looking.”

The council still has a duty.

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❌ But They’ll Tell You…

• “There’s no funding right now.”
• “We’re waiting for a place.”
• “You need medical evidence.”
• “It’s the school’s job.”

💡 None of these override the law. The actual law says education must be full-time (or as much as your child can manage), suitable for their age, ability and needs — and arranged by the council.

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🧠 So What Does ‘Suitable Education’ Mean?

It could be:

• 1:1 tutoring at home
• Online learning
• A temporary provision
• Specialist outreach

But whatever it is, it must start without delay. You shouldn’t be stuck in limbo while “they figure it out.”

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🛠️ How AskEllie Can Help

Section 19 is exactly why we built Ellie. Most parents aren’t lawyers — and they shouldn’t have to be.

AskEllie can:

• Tell you if your child is likely eligible
• Help you write the right kind of letter
• Decode the LA’s response
• Explain what steps to take next

For free. 24/7. No appointments. Just head to AskEllie.co.uk

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💬 Final Word

If your child’s out of school and nothing’s happening, don’t wait. Section 19 is the law, even if your LA pretends it’s optional.

We’ve seen it work. We’ve helped parents use it.
And you don’t have to face it alone.

You might’ve seen some worrying headlines recently about EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) being replaced — and sadly, they’re not just clickbait.

The government is already testing a new model in parts of the country where EHCPs are swapped for “SEND units” inside mainstream schools.

❓ What’s a “SEND unit”?

It’s a classroom or section inside a mainstream school for children with additional needs — grouped together, usually by diagnosis. Sounds familiar, right?

But here’s the catch: these children won’t have individual legal plans like an EHCP.

Instead, the unit has a general support framework — meaning your child’s needs are no longer recognised in a legally binding document. The specific therapies, hours of TA support, or specialist strategies your child needs might no longer be enforceable.

💥 Why this could be a disaster for many families

Let’s be clear: EHCPs aren’t perfect. But they are the only legal protection most families have. Without them:

• There’s no duty on the local authority to deliver specific support
• You can’t take the council to tribunal for failing to meet your child’s needs
• The school becomes the gatekeeper — not your child’s plan

The new approach seems focused on cost and convenience, not children.

And that’s the most worrying bit: they’re trialling this quietly — without wide consultation with families.

🧩 One-size-fits-all won’t work

Children with SEND don’t fit neatly into categories.

A child with ADHD doesn’t need the same strategies as one with sensory processing disorder. A child with PDA can be overwhelmed by the same approaches that help others thrive.

EHCPs allow for that nuance. “SEND units” risk erasing it.

🙋‍♀️ What can parents do?

• Stay informed – AskEllie will keep sharing updates in plain English
• Share the news – Many parents still haven’t heard this is happening
• Speak up – Write to your MP. Ask questions at school. Push for consultation
• Sign the petition – [Link to petition if you have one available]

💬 Final thoughts

This isn’t scaremongering — this is already happening.

EHCPs were never perfect, but they gave families a voice and a legal tool. If that’s removed, we risk going backwards to a time when support was patchy, vague, and often denied.

We’ll keep shouting about it — and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. AskEllie exists to make things clearer, and we’re with you every step.

If you’ve seen the latest news (or our TikTok videos), you’ll know that something serious is happening behind the scenes when it comes to EHCPs — and it could affect your child’s future.

💬 What’s going on?

A local council recently admitted to refusing an EHCP not because the child didn’t need it — but because the support was “too expensive.”

Let that sink in.

This isn’t how it’s supposed to work. EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) are legal documents that set out what support a child with special educational needs must receive. Decisions about them should be based on a child’s needs, not a council’s budget.

But councils are under pressure. Some are now prioritising cost over care, and if proposed reforms go ahead, it could get worse.

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❌ What are the risks?

If EHCPs get diluted or replaced, we could be facing a system where:

• There’s no legal duty to provide the support your child needs
• Councils can quietly cut hours, therapies, or even whole plans
• Parents have no real power to challenge unfair decisions

This isn’t fear-mongering — it’s already happening in pockets of the country.

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💡 What can parents do?

1. Know your rights
   The law is still on your side. Right now, councils must meet the needs in an EHCP once it’s issued. If your child needs one, they have a right to it, regardless of how “expensive” it is.
2. Speak out
   Share posts, write to your MP, and raise awareness. These decisions are often made quietly unless we make noise.
3. Use AskEllie.co.uk
   Our free AI assistant is here to help you:
   • Understand EHCPs
   • Respond to council letters
   • Draft appeals and complaints
   • Learn what the law says in plain English

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🧠 Why this matters

For many families, the EHCP is the only tool we have to hold councils to account. Take that away, and we’re left pleading for help — with no legal backup.

We can’t let that happen.

So whether you’re just starting the EHCP process, in the middle of a fight, or worried about what’s coming — you are not alone.

Let AskEllie stand beside you. Because when parents have knowledge, they have power.

👉 Visit AskEllie.co.uk for tools, templates and support.

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This week, the BBC published a story that hit hard for many of us in the SEND community.

A mother in Herefordshire fought for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for her son — a legal document that should ensure support for children with special educational needs. But what did the council say?

“It’s too expensive.”

Let that land. They didn’t argue that her son didn’t need the help. They just didn’t want to pay for it.

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⚖️ But EHCPs Are a Legal Right… Aren’t They?

Yes — right now, they are. If your child has needs that require additional support beyond what a mainstream school can provide, your local authority must assess and provide an EHCP if it’s necessary.

But this BBC report shows that some councils are already bending the rules — and using cost as an excuse to deny support.

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💥 Why This Story Matters

This isn’t just one case. It’s a warning sign of what’s coming:

• Councils are under financial pressure
• Some are prioritising budgets over children
• If EHCPs get diluted or scrapped in future reforms, parents may lose the legal power to challenge these decisions

If this mum hadn’t fought back — and gone public — her child could have been left without the support he needs.

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💡 What Can You Do?

1. Know the law
   The law hasn’t changed. Your child’s needs — not council budgets — must guide decisions about EHCPs.
2. Call it out
   If a council refuses support based on cost, that’s unlawful. Ask for it in writing. Challenge it. And don’t be afraid to speak up.
3. Use AskEllie.co.uk
   AskEllie is a free tool built by parents, for parents. It can:
   • Explain your rights in plain English
   • Draft responses to unlawful council letters
   • Help you build your case and stand firm

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❤️ You Are Not Alone

This story struck a nerve because it’s happening to too many of us.

But with the right tools, the right knowledge, and a growing community, we can push back.

Don’t let them tell you your child is “too expensive.”
Your child is worthy. Deserving. Protected by law.

👉 Get support at AskEllie.co.uk

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It’s been a chaotic few months in the world of SEND — from proposed reforms to shocking council behaviour. If you’ve been busy just surviving (we get it), here’s your catch-up of everything that matters.

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⚖️ 1. Councils Saying “No” to EHCPs Because of Cost (BBC News, July)

Let’s start with what’s got everyone talking:
A council in Herefordshire tried to deny an EHCP based purely on financial cost — not the child’s legal right or need.

🔗 Why it matters:
This is unlawful. EHCPs are not optional if your child needs one — no matter the price tag. But it’s a worrying sign of what’s coming as more councils hit financial crisis points.

👊 What you can do:

• Ask for council decisions in writing
• If they cite cost, you have grounds to challenge
• Use AskEllie.co.uk to help write back in plain English

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📉 2. The 2025 SEND Reforms: Delays, Dilution & Confusion

The government’s long-promised SEND reforms are still unclear. While the DfE claims the aim is to create “consistency,” many parents fear it means less legal protection and more postcode lotteries.

👀 What we know:

• EHCP “standardisation” trials are happening in pilot areas
• The goal is “digital EHCPs” and national templates
• Concerns are rising that individual needs will be ignored in favour of system-led decisions

💬 What parents are saying:
“If they scrap the legal bit, councils will do even less than they already do. EHCPs are barely enforced as it is.”

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🚨 3. Section 19 Failures Continue to Spike

Section 19 of the Education Act says that children who can’t attend school must still get a suitable education — but families across the country are reporting months (or years) with no provision.

⛔ No tutors
⛔ No plans
⛔ No education

📌 What to do:
AskEllie has a built-in Section 19 explainer and draft response tool if your child is out of school. Use it before things escalate.

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🧠 4. CAMHS & Assessment Waits Still in Crisis

Many families report that ADHD and autism assessments are now taking 2–4 years in some NHS regions. Some parents are being told that private reports won’t be accepted, or are having them ignored by schools and LAs.

📣 Parent feedback:
“Clinical Partners took months, got our daughter’s age wrong, and then blamed the questionnaires.”

🔍 Keep everything in writing. If you’ve been messed around by providers or told you must go private, AskEllie can help you draft formal complaint letters.

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🛑 5. Attendance Pressure is Ramping Up Again

We’re seeing a sharp rise in School Attendance Orders and threats of fines — even for children with EBSA, anxiety, or unmet needs.

⚠️ Some parents are being dragged to court when:

• Their child has school-based anxiety
• The LA refuses to assess for an EHCP
• Or Section 19 has been ignored entirely

👉 Know your rights. If your child is out of school due to SEND needs, you should not be punished. Use Ellie to get advice tailored to your situation.

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✅ 6. Parents Are Fighting Back — And Winning

In all this chaos, there’s hope:

• More parents are taking councils to tribunal and winning
• Grassroots groups like Square Peg, Not Fine in School, and others are gaining real momentum
• MPs and public figures are starting to listen

Even Baroness Longfield — former Children’s Commissioner — is now actively engaging with parents and supporting tools like AskEllie.

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💬 Final Thoughts

The system is tough — but you’re not alone. Whether it’s fighting for an EHCP, waiting on assessments, or just trying to survive another school term, there is help out there.

🛠️ Use AskEllie.co.uk to:

• Understand your rights
• Push back against unfair decisions
• Draft letters in plain English
• Get clear answers when the system gets overwhelming

❤️ We’re here for you. One step at a time.

In recent weeks, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced major reforms that will change the face of the UK’s welfare system as we know it. While the government claims these changes aim to simplify access to benefits and encourage employment, many families, particularly those caring for disabled children and adults, are left fearing what the future holds.

What’s Changing?

1. Scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA): The WCA is currently used to assess whether someone is too ill or disabled to work. The government plans to scrap this entirely and instead rely more heavily on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a marker for disability support. The concern? PIP is already notoriously hard to qualify for, and new proposals suggest the criteria may get even tougher.

2. Stricter Eligibility for PIP: According to government data, 370,000 current PIP claimants could lose their entitlement, with another 430,000 potentially denied future support under tightened rules. That could mean an average loss of £4,500 per year per family. For those already stretched thin by the rising cost of living, this is devastating.

3. Changes to Universal Credit: The standard Universal Credit allowance is set to increase incrementally over the next five years, with some above-inflation rises. But for families losing access to disability benefits, these increases may not go far enough.

4. Real-Time Benefits Reporting for Employers: From April 2026, employers will need to report benefits-in-kind (like company cars or medical cover) in real-time through payroll. This might simplify things for businesses, but offers little relief or clarity for struggling families.

What Does This Mean for Disabled Families?

These reforms have sent a clear message: disability support is under review, and the net is tightening. For parents already navigating the chaos of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) systems, delayed EHCPs, underfunded schools, and long CAMHS waiting lists, the welfare system was often a final lifeline. Now even that is uncertain.

Families caring for children with complex needs are often unable to work full-time or at all due to their responsibilities. The DWP’s shift towards a more employment-focused model appears to overlook the reality of what it takes to care for a high-needs child 24/7.

So, What Can You Do?

1. Stay Informed: Follow trusted advocacy groups like AskEllie.co.uk, Disability Rights UK, and Scope for updates and guidance.
2. Speak Up: The government is still in a consultation phase for some of these proposals. Now is the time to write to your MP, respond to public consultations, and share your story.
3. Seek Support: If you’re worried about changes to your benefits, organisations like Citizens Advice and local welfare rights groups can help you understand your rights and options.
4. Join the Movement: At AskEllie, we’re gathering voices from across the UK to bring real stories to Parliament. If you’re affected by these reforms, submit your experience through our website. Your voice matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Our grandparents fought after WWII for a welfare system that protected the vulnerable and gave families a safety net. We must now ask: are we watching those protections unravel?

Families with disabled children are not asking for luxuries. We’re asking for fairness, dignity, and the ability to give our children the care they need without falling into poverty. If these reforms go ahead unchecked, that future is at risk.

The time to act is now.

Visit www.askellie.co.uk to learn more and get involved.

What is Masking in PDA? Masking is when a child hides or suppresses their difficulties in order to fit in, avoid conflict, or stay out of trouble. In children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), masking is especially common – often driven by extreme anxiety or fear of losing control.

A child with PDA may appear calm, quiet, or compliant in school, while melting down at home due to the effort of holding it all together. This can lead professionals to underestimate the child’s needs and wrongly assume they’re coping.

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Why Schools Often Miss It Because masking children “look fine” during the school day, their difficulties are often dismissed. Schools may say:

• “They’re fine here”
• “We don’t see any problems”
• “Their behaviour doesn’t warrant extra support”

But parents know the truth: masking can cause enormous distress, delayed outbursts, emotional shutdowns, or total exhaustion at home. Over time, masking can even lead to burnout and school refusal.

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Legal Responsibilities of the School & Local Authority Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, both the school and local authority have a duty to:

• Recognise unseen and hidden needs, including those that only show outside of school hours.
• Consider parental evidence and home-based behaviours when assessing SEN.
• Provide support based on a child’s underlying needs, not just outward behaviour in school.

A school cannot legally deny support simply because a child is masking well during lessons.

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What Can You Do as a Parent?

1. Document everything – keep a record of your child’s home behaviours, meltdowns, shutdowns, refusals, and emotional exhaustion.
2. Request an EHCP Needs Assessment if the school isn’t recognising the level of need. Include evidence of how masking affects your child outside school.
3. Challenge dismissive language like “they’re fine here.” Ask: “What assessments have been done to fully understand how they cope after the school day?”
4. AskEllie – use www.askellie.co.uk to help draft letters, prepare EHCP requests, or respond to school and LA decisions. It’s free and based on current UK law.

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Final Thought Masking is not a sign that your child is coping. It’s a sign they are surviving. And surviving is not enough.

The law is clear: support must be based on need, not appearance. If your child is struggling behind closed doors, you have every right to demand that schools and local authorities look closer – and act.

At AskEllie, we’re passionate about using AI to make a real difference in the lives of families navigating the challenges of neurodiversity, special educational needs, and mental health. But with AI becoming more powerful and widespread, it’s natural for people to ask important questions: Can AI be used ethically? Can it really help with something as sensitive as mental health?

We believe the answer is yes — if it’s done right.

The Problem

Accessing mental health support is harder than ever. Long waiting lists, overwhelmed services, and underfunded systems mean that too many families are left struggling alone. For parents of autistic or PDA children, this can be especially difficult. The emotional toll, the paperwork, the burnout — it can feel endless.

How AI Can Help

AI isn’t a replacement for therapists or real human connection. But it can help in meaningful and ethical ways:

• Listening and Understanding: AI can provide instant support 24/7. Sometimes, just being heard makes a difference. AskEllie lets users talk through their situation and get guidance based on facts, not opinions.
• Empowering, Not Replacing: Ethical AI supports human decision-making. Our tool gives parents the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions, access support, and challenge injustice — without taking away their voice.
• Reducing Bureaucracy Burnout: AI can sift through legal processes, offer draft responses to councils or schools, and explain complex rights in plain English. That means less time Googling and more time connecting with your child.
• Anonymity When You Need It: Many people feel ashamed or judged for asking for help. AI doesn’t judge. It’s a private space where parents can be honest and vulnerable, without fear.

Our Promise

At AskEllie, we believe in ethical AI. That means:

• No data selling. Ever.
• Transparency about how the tool works.
• Constant updates based on real feedback from parents.
• Collaboration with lived-experience communities.

We’re not here to replace human support — we’re here to fill the gaps where support doesn’t exist. Until every family has the help they need, we’ll keep building tools that listen, empower, and advocate.

Because no parent should have to face this alone.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may already know how stressful it can be to secure the right school placement—especially when you’re aiming for a specialist provision.

One of the most common roadblocks parents face is being told:
“We can’t offer a place because the school is full.”

It sounds final, doesn’t it? But here’s what the local authority doesn’t always explain:

The Law Is Clear

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, if a school is named in your child’s EHCP (Section I), that school is legally required to admit your child, even if it’s full.

A local authority cannot refuse your preferred school just because it’s full. They can only refuse if they can clearly show that:

1. The school is unsuitable for your child’s age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs;
2. The placement would negatively impact the education of other children;
3. It would not be an efficient use of public resources.

Simply saying a school is “at capacity” doesn’t meet these criteria.

Why Do They Say It Then?

The reality is that some local authorities use the “full” excuse to:

• Delay making a decision
• Push your child toward a cheaper or more convenient option
• Avoid expanding specialist provision or providing additional support

What Should You Do?

If you’ve been told your chosen school is full:

• Request the school be named in Section I of the EHCP anyway. You have the right to ask for it.
• If refused, appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Over 95% of appeals by parents are successful.
• Ask the school directly if they believe they could meet your child’s needs—sometimes they’re more open than the LA.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to word your request or respond to the LA, our free tool AskEllie can help you draft emails, letters, and even appeal submissions based on UK SEND law.
Visit www.askellie.co.uk to get started.

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Don’t let “we’re full” be the end of the road.
If the school is right for your child, you’re within your rights to pursue it—and win.