One of the most common messages we receive is this:

👉 “My child was awarded lower rate… but I know they need more support.”

And in many cases — they’re right.

---

The Reality: It’s Often Not the Need… It’s the Wording

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) decisions aren’t just based on your child’s condition.

They’re based on:

👉 How clearly their needs are explained
👉 The level of care and supervision required
👉 The real-life impact on daily living

This is where many applications fall down.

Parents are often doing their best — but the form itself is:

• Confusing
• Repetitive
• Difficult to interpret

So answers end up sounding like:

• “My child struggles”
• “They have meltdowns”
• “They have no sense of danger”

The problem is…

👉 These phrases are too vague for decision-makers.

---

What Decision Makers Are Actually Looking For

When your application is reviewed, the focus is on:

• How often support is needed
• How long difficulties last
• What happens without supervision
• Whether your child is safe

For example:

❌ “My child has meltdowns”
✅ “My child has daily meltdowns lasting up to 45 minutes, requiring constant supervision to prevent harm”

That level of detail can completely change how a claim is understood.

---

Why So Many Children Are Awarded Lower Rate

We see this pattern every day:

👉 Children with significant needs being awarded lower rate care or mobility

Not because they don’t qualify…

But because:

• The level of supervision isn’t clearly explained
• Risk isn’t fully described
• The wording doesn’t reflect the reality

---

The System Is Difficult — And That’s Not Your Fault

The DLA process is not straightforward.

It requires:

• Understanding how decisions are made
• Translating real-life struggles into the right language
• Knowing what to emphasise — and what to avoid

Most parents are never shown how to do this.

---

You Can Challenge the Decision

If your child has been awarded lower rate and it doesn’t feel right, you can:

👉 Request a Mandatory Reconsideration

This gives you the opportunity to:

• Re-explain your child’s needs
• Provide stronger evidence
• Clarify anything that was misunderstood

But again — success often comes down to:

👉 How it’s written and structured

---

Why Many Reconsiderations Fail

A lot of families are told to “just challenge it” —
but are not shown how.

Common issues include:

❌ Simply saying “I disagree”
❌ Repeating the same wording
❌ Not adding clear examples or evidence

Which often leads to the same outcome again.

---

How AskEllie Can Help

We created AskEllie because we saw how many families were:

• Being under-awarded
• Struggling with forms
• Left to figure it out alone

And often being quoted hundreds of pounds for help.

---

Our Reconsideration Support Service

We now offer affordable, structured support to help you:

• Clearly explain your child’s needs
• Strengthen your reconsideration
• Avoid the most common mistakes
• Make sure nothing important is missed

👉 This service is available via our Stan Store
👉 And you can also access support through our contact page

---

Final Thought

If your child’s award doesn’t reflect their needs…

👉 Trust that instinct.

In many cases, the issue isn’t eligibility —
it’s how the information has been presented.

And with the right wording and structure,
that can be changed.

---

Need Help With a DLA Reconsideration?

If you’re unsure where to start, or don’t want to risk getting it wrong…

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie

We’re here to help you:

• Get clarity
• Strengthen your case
• And make sure your child’s needs are properly understood

Half term can be one of the most expensive times of the year.

Days out, activities, food, travel — it all adds up quickly.
And for families supporting children with additional needs, the pressure can feel even greater.

But here’s what many parents don’t realise:

👉 There are discounts, schemes, and support options available — and a lot of families are missing them.

---

1. Social Tariffs (Huge Savings Most People Don’t Know About)

If you’re receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for social tariffs.

These are reduced-cost deals for:

• Broadband
• Mobile phone contracts

In many cases, they can be:
👉 Half the price of standard packages

That can free up money for:

• Days out
• Activities
• Essentials during half term

Yet many families are still paying full price simply because they’ve never been told.

---

2. The Max Card (Discounted Days Out)

The Max Card is one of the most useful tools for SEND families.

It gives:

• Discounted entry to attractions
• Reduced prices at leisure venues
• Access to family-friendly locations across the UK

Many attractions accept it — including:

• Zoos
• Theme parks
• Indoor play centres

But again, awareness is low.

---

3. The CEA Card (Free Cinema Ticket for a Carer)

If your child needs support to attend the cinema, the CEA Card allows:

👉 A carer to attend for free

This can make a big difference, especially during half term when cinema trips are popular.

---

4. Local SEND-Friendly Activities (Often Free or Low Cost)

Many local councils and charities offer:

• Free holiday activity schemes
• SEND-friendly sessions
• Quiet or adapted events

These may include:

• Soft play sessions
• Sensory-friendly screenings
• Community-based activities

The problem?

👉 They’re often poorly advertised.

You may need to:

• Check your local council website
• Look at local SEND groups
• Follow community pages

---

5. Why So Many Families Miss Out

From speaking to parents every day, the same issues come up:

❌ No one tells them what they’re entitled to
❌ Information is spread across multiple places
❌ Systems are confusing and unclear

As a result, families end up:

👉 Paying more than they need to
👉 Missing out on support
👉 Feeling unnecessary financial pressure

---

Why This Matters More for SEND Families

Families supporting children with additional needs often face:

• Higher daily costs
• Limited flexibility
• The need for tailored environments

So when half term arrives,
it’s not just about “keeping the kids busy” —
it’s about managing energy, regulation, and cost.

---

What You Should Do Right Now

Before spending money this half term, take a few minutes to check:

✔ Could you switch to a social tariff?
✔ Do you have access to a Max Card?
✔ Would a CEA Card apply to your situation?
✔ Are there local SEND-friendly activities available?

Even one of these could make a significant difference.

---

Final Thought

Half term will always come with challenges —
but it doesn’t have to come with unnecessary costs.

The families who know what support is available
are often the ones who manage it best.

---

Need Help Checking What You’re Entitled To?

If you’re unsure what support you should be getting, or feel like you might be missing something…

We help parents every day to:

• Identify discounts and schemes
• Understand what they’re entitled to
• Reduce unnecessary costs

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you make things a bit easier.

Over the past year, AskEllie has grown in a way I never expected.

Every day, I receive hundreds of messages from parents trying to navigate SEND, EHCPs, DLA, and the wider system — often feeling overwhelmed, ignored, or unsure what to do next.

I read as many as I can.
I care deeply about every single one.

But the reality is — I can’t give every situation the time and depth it truly deserves through comments and DMs alone.

And that’s exactly why things are changing.

---

💡 Why We’ve Updated AskEllie

AskEllie was created to make clear, reliable support accessible to families who need it most.

But as demand has grown, it’s become clear that parents don’t just need answers — they need:

• Structure
• Clarity
• Ongoing guidance
• Help responding as situations evolve

So we’ve redesigned AskEllie’s support services to reflect that.

---

🔥 What’s New?

We’ve introduced three clear levels of support, so you can choose what’s right for your situation.

---

💬 1. Personal Support Response (Pay What You Can)

For when you need a quick, clear answer.

• One written response
• Based on your situation
• Accessible pricing (pay what you can)

👉 Ideal for straightforward questions or initial guidance

---

📄 2. Advanced Support (£29)

For when you need more structured, detailed help.

• In-depth personalised response
• Clear step-by-step guidance
• What to say and how to say it
• 1 follow-up included

👉 Ideal if you need clarity, direction, and help taking the next step

---

🧠 3. Premium Support (£59)

For when you need proper, ongoing support with your case.

• Full case review
• Detailed action plan
• Written responses / templates
• 2 follow-ups included
• Ongoing support via your support ticket

👉 Ideal for complex, ongoing situations or when you need to get things right

---

⚖️ SEND + Benefits Support

All support options now cover both:

• SEND (EHCPs, school issues, Local Authorities)
• Benefits (DLA, UC, Carer’s Allowance, appeals)

Because in reality — these things are often connected.

---

🧾 Why This Matters

Many families are being left to figure this system out alone.

Professional support can cost hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds — which simply isn’t accessible for most people.

AskEllie exists to change that.

This new structure means:

• You can still access low-cost support
• You can choose a level that fits your situation
• You can get clear, practical guidance without the overwhelm

---

🤝 Built Around Real Families

Everything in AskEllie is based on:

• Real parent experiences
• Real cases
• Real outcomes

This isn’t theory — it’s what actually works.

---

🔗 Where to Get Support

You can access all support options here:

👉 [Insert Stan Store Link]

If you’re not sure which option to choose — start with what feels right. You can always move to a higher level of support if you need to.

---

💬 Final Thought

If you’re currently fighting for your child — whether that’s with school, your Local Authority, or the DWP — you’re not alone.

And you shouldn’t have to figure this out without support.

AskEllie is here to help you understand your rights, take the right steps, and move forward with confidence.

Oliver
AskEllie

---

When applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), one of the most misunderstood areas is the higher rate mobility component.

Many parents are told their child doesn’t qualify —
or don’t apply at all — because they think mobility is only about physical disability.

But that’s not true.

👉 For many autistic children and those with additional needs, mobility is about safety, awareness, and supervision outdoors.

Here are 5 key signs that may indicate your child could qualify for higher rate mobility.

---

1. Needs Physical Restraint or Barriers to Stay Safe Near Roads

If your child:

• Tries to run into roads
• Cannot stop or assess danger
• Needs hand-holding, reins, or physical intervention

This is a significant safety risk.

Higher rate mobility considers whether a child can be kept safe during a journey, not just whether they can walk.

---

2. Requires Constant Supervision Outdoors

If your child needs:

• 1:1 supervision at all times outside
• Continuous monitoring to prevent danger
• An adult to remain physically close for safety

This goes beyond typical parenting.

👉 It shows a substantial need for supervision.

---

3. Bolting, Running, or Freezing in Public

Some children may:

• Suddenly run without warning (bolting)
• Freeze in unsafe situations
• Panic or become disoriented

These behaviours can make even short journeys unpredictable and unsafe.

---

4. Severe Distress or Meltdowns During Journeys

If your child:

• Experiences intense distress outdoors
• Has meltdowns that stop the journey completely
• Becomes overwhelmed to the point of risk

This can make it unsafe to continue or complete a journey.

And that is directly relevant to mobility decisions.

---

5. Needs an Adult to Navigate Every Journey

If your child:

• Cannot follow directions safely
• Does not respond to danger cues
• Needs full adult guidance at all times

Then they are not able to navigate journeys safely and independently.

---

These Are Not “Behaviours” — They Are Safety Needs

This is where many applications go wrong.

Parents often describe these as:

• “Challenging behaviour”
• “Meltdowns”
• “No sense of danger”

But DLA decision-makers are looking for:

👉 Risk, supervision, and safety needs

How your child’s condition affects their ability to be safe outdoors is what matters most.

---

Why Many Parents Get Refused

A lot of families are refused because:

❌ The wording is too vague
❌ The level of risk isn’t clearly explained
❌ The supervision needs aren’t detailed properly

Even when a child clearly qualifies,
the application doesn’t always reflect the reality.

---

What You Should Do

If any of the above apply to your child:

✔ Be specific about what happens
✔ Explain what could go wrong without supervision
✔ Describe the level of support required every time

Think in terms of:

👉 “What would happen if I wasn’t there?”

---

Final Thought

Higher rate mobility isn’t just about physical ability —
it’s about whether your child can move through the world safely.

If they can’t do that without significant support,
they may be entitled to more help than you realise.

---

Need Help Getting This Right?

If you’re unsure how to explain your child’s needs properly, or have been refused…

We offer 1-to-1 support to help you:

• Clearly describe risk and supervision
• Strengthen your DLA application
• Make sure nothing important is missed

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you get it right.

When your PIP review form arrives, one of the easiest options is to tick:

👉 “No change”

It feels simple.
It feels safe.
And if your condition hasn’t improved, it can seem like the right thing to do.

But here’s the reality:

👉 Writing “no change” without explanation can affect your award.

---

Why “No Change” Can Be a Problem

When you submit your review form, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses your answers to decide:

• Whether your award should stay the same
• Be increased
• Be reduced
• Or reassessed

If you simply tick “no change” and give little detail, it can lead to:

• Assumptions being made about your condition
• Important difficulties being overlooked
• A lack of evidence to support your current needs

In some cases, this can even lead to a lower award.

---

PIP Is Based on Impact — Not Just Diagnosis

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.

PIP isn’t about your condition name —
it’s about:

👉 How your condition affects your daily life

That means:

• What you struggle with
• How often it happens
• What support you need

And this needs to be clearly explained — every time you’re reviewed.

---

What You Should Do Instead

Rather than just ticking “no change,” take the opportunity to explain your situation properly.

If Your Condition Has Stayed the Same

Don’t just write “no change” — say something like:

• “My condition remains the same, and I still require support with…”
• Then describe your daily difficulties clearly

---

If Your Condition Has Got Worse

This is where many people miss out.

Instead of writing “no change,” explain:

• What has worsened
• How often it now affects you
• What additional support you need

For example:

• “My mobility has deteriorated, and I now struggle to walk short distances without pain…”
• “I now need prompting or assistance more frequently due to increased anxiety…”

This could lead to:

👉 A higher award, if properly evidenced

---

If Your Condition Has Improved

Be honest and explain the improvement —
but still describe any support you continue to need.

---

Why Detail Matters So Much

The DWP carries out reviews and checks regularly —
and you don’t know how closely your form will be assessed.

The clearer your explanation:

✔ The easier it is for them to understand your needs
✔ The stronger your case becomes
✔ The less likely important details are missed

---

The Risk of “Set and Forget”

Many people treat PIP like something you:

👉 Apply for once and leave

But renewals are a new decision based on current evidence.

If you don’t clearly explain your situation,
the outcome may not reflect your actual needs.

---

What Should You Do Before Submitting Your Renewal?

Take time to:

✔ Go through each section carefully
✔ Add detail, even if nothing has changed
✔ Explain your worst days, not just your best
✔ Be specific about support, supervision, and impact

---

Final Thought

Writing “no change” might feel like the easiest option —
but it’s rarely the strongest one.

Your renewal is your chance to make sure your support reflects your reality today.

---

Need Help With Your PIP Renewal?

If you’re unsure how to explain your situation properly, or worried about getting it wrong…

We offer 1-to-1 support to help you:

• Clearly describe your needs
• Strengthen your renewal form
• Make sure nothing important is missed

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you get it right.

From April 1st 2026, council tax has increased across most areas in England — with many councils raising bills by up to 4.99%.

For families already managing rising costs, this can feel like another hit.

But here’s what many people don’t realise:

👉 You may already be entitled to reduce your council tax, sometimes significantly.

---

Why Council Tax Has Gone Up

Local authorities have increased council tax to help cover:

• Rising demand for services
• Social care funding pressures
• Budget shortfalls across councils

For many households, this means paying £100–£150 more per year.

---

The Key Thing Most Families Miss

A lot of SEND families and those on benefits are:

❌ Not claiming the reductions they’re entitled to
❌ Not aware of schemes that could lower their bill
❌ Paying more than they need to

Let’s break down what you should be checking.

---

1. Single Person Discount (25% Off)

If you live alone, you are usually entitled to:

👉 25% off your council tax bill

This is one of the most underclaimed discounts —
and it can save hundreds each year.

---

2. Disabled Band Reduction (Often Overlooked)

If you have a disabled child or adult in the household, you may qualify for a:

👉 Council Tax Band Reduction

This means your home is treated as if it’s in a lower band — reducing your bill.

You may qualify if your home has things like:

• A room used mainly for care
• Extra space required due to disability needs
• Adaptations to support your child

Many SEND families are eligible for this
but are never told about it.

---

3. Council Tax Reduction (For Low Income or Benefits)

If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to apply for:

👉 Council Tax Reduction (CTR)

This can reduce your bill significantly — sometimes by up to 100%, depending on your situation.

Eligibility often includes people receiving:

• Universal Credit
• Income-related benefits
• Low earnings

Each council runs its own scheme, so it’s important to check your local authority’s criteria.

---

4. Other Discounts and Exemptions

Depending on your situation, there may also be:

• Discounts for carers
• Reductions for severe mental impairment (SMI)
• Support during financial hardship

These are often missed simply because families don’t know they exist.

---

Why This Matters for SEND Families

Families supporting children with additional needs often face:

• Higher daily living costs
• Reduced working hours
• Extra travel and support needs

So when council tax increases — the impact is greater.

That’s why making sure you’re getting every reduction you’re entitled to is so important.

---

What You Should Do Now

If your bill has just gone up, take a few minutes to check:

✔ Are you claiming the single person discount (if applicable)?
✔ Could you qualify for a disabled band reduction?
✔ Are you eligible for Council Tax Reduction?
✔ Are there any other discounts you’ve missed?

Even one of these could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

---

Final Thought

Council tax may have gone up —
but that doesn’t mean you have to pay the full amount.

The families who check what they’re entitled to
are often the ones who reduce their bills the most.

---

Need Help Checking What You’re Entitled To?

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, or don’t know where to start…

We help parents every day to:

• Identify missed discounts and support
• Understand what they’re entitled to
• Get clear, practical guidance

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you make sure you’re not overpaying.

---

If you’ve had a car on finance in the UK, you may have heard about car finance compensation payouts.

But most people are asking the same thing:

👉 “What’s the easiest way to get paid — without paying a claims company?”
👉 “How long will it take?”
👉 “How much could I actually get?”

This guide breaks it down simply and honestly.

---

⚠️ Why are car finance payouts happening?

Before 2021, many car finance deals (especially PCP and Hire Purchase) involved hidden commission.

In simple terms:

• Dealers could increase your interest rate
• The higher the rate, the more commission they earned
• Most people were never clearly told this

This is what’s now being investigated — and why millions of people could be owed money.

---

✅ Do you qualify?

You might be eligible if:

• You had PCP or Hire Purchase
• The agreement was before January 2021
• It was arranged through a dealer or broker

Common lenders include:

• Black Horse
• BMW Financial Services
• Santander Consumer Finance

---

💡 The easiest way to get a payout (no claims company)

You do NOT need to pay anyone 20–30% of your money.

Here’s the simplest way:

---

🟢 Step 1: Complain directly to your lender

Contact the company that provided the finance (not the dealer).

Explain:

• You believe the agreement involved undisclosed commission
• You were not told the interest rate could be adjusted

👉 This is free and straightforward.

---

🟡 Step 2: Wait for their response

They have up to 8 weeks to reply.

They will either:

• Offer you compensation
• Reject the complaint
• Or delay (common right now)

---

🔴 Step 3: Go to the Ombudsman (if needed)

If you’re not happy with the outcome, you can go to the:

👉 Financial Ombudsman Service

• It’s completely free
• They review your case independently
• They can award higher compensation

---

⏱️ How long does it take?

✔️ If you accept an offer:

• Around 4–8 weeks

✔️ If you go to the Ombudsman:

• Around 6–12 months

---

💷 How much could you get?

This is where most people get misled.

You’ll hear figures like:

👉 “Most people will get around £700–£850”

That’s just an average — not a fixed amount.

---

📊 Realistic payout ranges:

• Smaller agreements: £300 – £1,000
• Typical finance deals: £700 – £2,000
• Larger or higher-interest deals: £2,000 – £7,000+

👉 If you’ve had multiple agreements, this can add up significantly.

---

⚠️ Should you use a claims company?

In most cases:

👉 No

They typically take:

• 20%–30% of your payout

And all they do is:

• Submit the same complaint you can send yourself

---

🧠 What’s the best approach?

You don’t need to overcomplicate it.

👉 Start with a simple complaint
👉 See what’s offered
👉 Then decide whether to push further

This way you:

• Keep control
• Keep 100% of your payout
• Don’t rush into a low offer

---

🚀 Final thoughts

Car finance compensation is one of the biggest consumer payouts in years.

But the system is confusing — and that’s where people lose money.

The truth is:

👉 You can do this yourself
👉 You don’t need to pay anyone
👉 And the difference between a quick payout and a proper one can be thousands

---

From April 1st, household bills across the UK are rising again.

For many families — especially those supporting children with additional needs — these increases can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the key thing most people don’t realise:

👉 There are ways to reduce what you pay, if you know where to look.

---

What’s Going Up From April 2026

1. Council Tax Increase

Most councils are increasing council tax by up to 4.99%.

For many households, that’s an extra £100+ per year.

At a time when everything else is rising too, this adds pressure quickly.

---

2. Broadband & Mobile Bills

Many providers increase prices every April.

The issue is — a lot of people are already overpaying.

Common problems include:

• Paying for more data than you actually use
• Being stuck on outdated contracts
• Missing cheaper alternatives

---

3. Energy Costs (More Increases Coming)

While April may feel stable for some, the bigger concern is what’s ahead.

Forecasts suggest the energy price cap could rise to around £1,497 per year by July.

That’s roughly a £200 increase, meaning costs are expected to climb again shortly after April.

---

How You Can Reduce Your Bills (Most People Miss These)

This is where real savings can happen.

---

1. Check Your Council Tax Discounts

You may be entitled to reductions such as:

• 25% single person discount
• Disabled band reduction scheme
• Additional support depending on your circumstances

For families with disabled children, this is often overlooked —
but it can make a significant difference.

---

2. Look at Social Tariffs (Broadband & Mobile)

If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for social tariffs.

These are:

• Much cheaper than standard deals
• Often half the price
• Available from major providers

Many families simply don’t know these exist.

---

3. Review What You’re Actually Using

Ask yourself:

• Do you really need unlimited data?
• Are you paying for extras you don’t use?

Switching to a more suitable plan can reduce costs immediately.

---

4. Pay by Direct Debit

It sounds simple, but:

👉 Many providers charge more if you don’t pay by Direct Debit

Switching can:

• Lower your monthly cost
• Avoid late payment fees

---

5. Don’t Assume You’re Getting Everything You’re Entitled To

This is the biggest one.

Many SEND families are eligible for:

• Additional benefits
• Cost of living support
• Discounts linked to disability

But they’re never told — or don’t realise how to access them.

---

Why This Hits SEND Families Harder

Families supporting children with additional needs often face:

• Increased transport costs
• Time off work
• Higher daily living expenses
• Additional therapies or support needs

So when bills rise — the impact is not equal.

That’s why checking every possible support route matters more than ever.

---

What Should You Do Right Now?

✔ Review your council tax band and discounts
✔ Check if you qualify for social tariffs
✔ Look at your current contracts (broadband, mobile, energy)
✔ Make sure you’re receiving all eligible support

Even small changes can add up to hundreds of pounds a year.

---

Final Thought

April price rises are happening —
but overpaying doesn’t have to.

The families who take time to check what they’re entitled to
are often the ones who manage to ease the pressure the most.

---

Need Help Checking Everything?

If you’re unsure what you should be getting, or feel like something’s been missed…

We help parents every day to:

• Understand what they’re entitled to
• Identify missed support and discounts
• Get clear, practical guidance tailored to their situation

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you make sure you’re not missing out.

The government has launched its latest consultation:
“SEND reform: putting children and young people first.” Department for Education

On paper, it promises earlier support, better outcomes, and a fairer system.
But for many parents, this isn’t reassuring — it’s worrying.

And if you’ve been following what’s coming, you’ll know why.

---

What the Government Says the Reforms Will Do

The proposals aim to:

• Provide earlier support without needing an EHCP
• Make mainstream schools more inclusive
• Reduce reliance on specialist placements
• Introduce a more standardised system of support
• Expand funding and specialist teams across schools

The government has also said:

• No changes to EHCP support will happen before 2030
• More support will be available without needing a legal plan

On the surface, that sounds positive.

But here’s where the concerns start.

---

1. The Fear Around EHCPs

One of the biggest concerns is this:

👉 Will EHCPs be reduced or phased out over time?

While they’re not being scrapped immediately, the direction of travel is clear —
moving support away from legally enforceable plans.

Many parents rely on EHCPs because they are:

• Legally binding
• Enforceable
• The only way to guarantee provision

Without that legal protection, support becomes discretionary.

And that’s where trust breaks down.

---

2. “Support Without EHCPs” Sounds Good — But Is It Real?

The idea is that children won’t need EHCPs because support will already be there.

But the reality right now?

• Schools are already overstretched
• Staff are undertrained
• Specialist support is limited

In fact, teachers themselves are raising concerns:

• 83% say there isn’t enough classroom support
• 69% say access to specialists is lacking

So parents are asking a very valid question:

👉 How can schools deliver more support, when they’re already struggling to deliver what exists now?

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3. A Push Towards Mainstream — Without the Resources

The reforms focus heavily on:

👉 More children staying in mainstream schools

This includes:

• “Inclusion bases” in schools
• More local provision
• Reduced need for specialist placements

But parents are worried about:

• Class sizes already being too big
• Lack of trained staff
• Unsafe or unsuitable environments

Because inclusion without support…
isn’t inclusion.

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4. Risk of Losing Specialist Support

Parents of children with complex needs are particularly concerned.

There are real fears that:

• Access to therapies could reduce
• Specialist input could be diluted
• Children could be expected to “fit” mainstream environments

One parent told Sky News they were:

“extremely scared” their child could lose support without an EHCP

And this is a common theme we’re seeing across the SEND community.

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5. Legal Rights – The Biggest Red Line

Perhaps the most serious concern is around legal protections.

Over 100 organisations have already warned that reforms could:

• Weaken EHCP protections
• Limit access to tribunals
• Reduce accountability on local authorities

One proposal to remove appeal rights was already dropped after backlash —
which tells you how serious this issue is.

Because without legal rights…

👉 Parents lose their ability to challenge decisions

And history tells us — that’s when children fall through the gaps.

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6. A System Already Under Pressure

Let’s be honest about where things are right now:

• EHCP numbers have surged massively
• Local authorities are struggling financially
• Parents already face long delays and battles

And surveys show:

👉 Parents without EHCPs are the least satisfied with support

So the fear is simple:

If the system isn’t working now…
how will reducing legal protections make it better?

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What Parents Are Really Worried About

When you strip it all back, most parents are asking:

• Will my child lose support?
• Will I still be able to fight decisions?
• Will schools actually be ready for this?
• Or is this just about cutting costs?

Because many feel this isn’t just reform…

👉 It’s a shift of responsibility away from legal duty… onto already stretched schools

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What Should Parents Do Right Now?

This is important:

✔ Nothing changes immediately
✔ EHCP rights still exist
✔ The system stays the same (for now)

But…

👉 This is the time to understand your rights properly
👉 And make sure your child’s needs are clearly evidenced

Because if changes come in the future,
the parents who understand the system best will be in the strongest position.

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Final Thought

Reform isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The system does need fixing.

But reform only works if:

• It protects legal rights
• It funds schools properly
• It listens to parents

Right now… many families don’t feel confident that it does.

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Need Help Navigating This?

If you’re confused, worried, or unsure how this could affect your child…

We help parents every day to:

• Understand their rights
• Strengthen DLA & EHCP applications
• Respond to schools and local authorities properly

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you get clarity and support.

Recent guidance around screen time for young children has sparked a lot of conversation — and, understandably, a lot of concern for parents.

But the reality is…
the headlines don’t tell the full story.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• What the guidance actually says
• What really matters for your child’s development
• And what this means for SEND families in particular

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What the New Screen Time Guidance Says

The latest recommendations suggest:

• Under 2 years old: ideally no screen time
• Ages 2–5: around 1 hour per day maximum

At first glance, that can feel quite strict — especially for busy families.

But here’s the key point:

👉 It’s not just about how much screen time your child has.
👉 It’s about how that screen time is used.

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What Really Matters (And What Often Gets Missed)

The guidance focuses heavily on how children are using screens, not just the time limit.

It highlights the importance of:

• Avoiding fast-paced, overstimulating content
• Not using screens during mealtimes or before bed
• Making sure children are not left alone on devices for long periods

Why?

Because what impacts development most is not the screen itself — it’s what screens might be replacing.

For example:

• Less interaction with parents or carers
• Reduced play and imagination
• Fewer opportunities for communication and language development

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Screens Aren’t the Enemy

There’s a common narrative that screens are harmful — but that’s an oversimplification.

Used well, screens can:

• Support learning and communication
• Provide calm and regulation
• Offer accessibility tools for children who need them

The issue isn’t screens.
It’s imbalance.

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What This Means for SEND Families

This is where the conversation becomes even more important.

For many children with additional needs — including those with autism or ADHD — screens can play a very different role.

In some cases, screens:

• Help children self-regulate
• Reduce overwhelm and anxiety
• Support communication (especially with assistive technology)
• Provide a safe, predictable environment

And importantly…

👉 The guidance does recognise that screen use may look different for children with additional needs.

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So What Should Parents Be Asking?

Instead of focusing only on:

❌ “How much screen time is too much?”

A more helpful question is:

👉 “What might my child be missing because of it?”

For example:

• Are they still getting opportunities to play and explore?
• Are they interacting and communicating regularly?
• Are screens supporting them — or replacing key experiences?

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A Balanced Approach

For most families, the goal isn’t to remove screens completely.

It’s to find a balance that works for your child.

That might look like:

• Watching together and talking about what’s on screen
• Choosing slower, calmer, age-appropriate content
• Using screens as a tool, not a default
• Being flexible when your child needs regulation

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Final Thoughts

Screen time guidance can feel overwhelming — especially when it’s presented as strict rules.

But in reality, parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all.

And that’s especially true for SEND families.

👉 Screens are not “good” or “bad”
👉 What matters is how they are used and what your child needs

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Need Help Understanding Your Child’s Needs?

If you’re unsure whether your child’s screen use is typical, or whether it might be linked to something deeper…

We can help.

At AskEllie, we support parents to:

• Understand behaviours
• Identify what’s typical vs a potential concern
• And take clear, confident next steps

👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie.co.uk

Or access one-to-one support through the link in our bio.