Category: Uncategorized

If you’re a parent of a Roblox-obsessed child, you’re not alone. Roblox has become one of the most popular platforms for children — especially those with SEND — to socialise, create, and play. But behind the fun is a worrying truth: your child could spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds before you realise it.

Why Is This Happening?

Roblox uses its own in-game currency called Robux, which doesn’t look or feel like real money to children. It’s bright, colourful, and addictive. Many games on the platform are designed with endless opportunities to buy skins, upgrades, and perks — and the more your child plays, the more they’re nudged toward spending.

To make matters worse:

• There are no in-built spending limits.
• Refunds are rarely granted, even in obvious cases of unauthorised purchases.
• Payment platforms like Apple and Google often side with the app developer, not the parent.

One parent recently told us their child spent over £4,000 in Roblox without their knowledge — money that was never refunded.

Why It Hits SEND Families Harder

Children with autism, PDA, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences often experience high levels of focus and emotional regulation difficulties. The instant rewards and fast feedback loops of games like Roblox make them especially vulnerable to compulsive spending.

What Makes It Even Worse

Roblox and other platforms profit from this confusion:

• Robux masks the real cost.
• Parents are rarely notified in real time.
• Game developers design microtransactions to appear harmless, fun, or even essential.

It’s a perfect storm — and companies are profiting from your child’s lack of financial awareness.

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5 Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect Yourself

1. Turn on “Ask to Buy” (Apple) or Family Link (Android)
   • Require parental approval for every purchase.
2. Disable in-app purchases entirely
   • Go into your phone or tablet settings and switch them off if possible.
3. Use gift cards instead of linked cards
   • Only top up Robux with a pre-paid gift card you control.
4. Check purchase history regularly
   • Look for strange or repeat purchases on Apple/Google accounts.
5. Talk to your child
   • Help them understand that Robux = real money. Use simple visuals or comparisons if needed.

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What To Do If It Already Happened

• Contact your bank immediately to flag any suspicious charges.
• Submit refund requests to Apple, Google or Roblox — even if they say no at first.
• Consider raising a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman if your bank won’t help.

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The Bigger Picture

Platforms like Roblox have created a digital playground with no fences. While it’s fun and creative, it’s also a business — and children are the target market. As parents, we need to stay one step ahead.

If you’ve been affected, or want step-by-step support to protect your family from future issues, our free AI assistant AskEllie+ is here to help.

Visit AskEllie.co.uk or search “AskEllie+” inside ChatGPT’s Explore tab.

Let’s protect our kids — and our wallets.

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AskEllie+ is a free AI assistant created by SEN parents, for SEN families. It provides clear, legal-based answers to support you through EHCPs, school issues, and now — digital safety too.

This week, The Times published an article titled “Alarm at chatbot’s legal advice to parents of special needs pupils” about our platform, AskEllie. We appreciate that these conversations are happening — but we also feel it’s important to clarify what AskEllie actually is, why it exists, and how it serves thousands of families who have been left behind by the current system.

Why AskEllie Exists

AskEllie is not a company or a commercial product. It’s something I built, as a father, out of desperation. When our family was trying to navigate the EHCP process, we faced dead ends, long waits, and a system that felt impenetrable. Like so many parents, we were overwhelmed and unsupported.

Rather than accept that, I used my tech background to create a free platform where families can access clear, structured information about their rights, deadlines, and processes. There are no ads, no data collection, no financial motive — just a tool built to help families who are often exhausted, frightened, and alone.

AskEllie Does Not Replace Legal Advice

We take accuracy and safety seriously. AskEllie does not offer bespoke legal advice or representation, and we have never claimed to. The platform explicitly tells users this at every opportunity.

What it does provide is general information from public sources — government websites, IPSEA, SOS! SEN, the SEND Code of Practice, and other trusted resources — structured through AI so that it’s easier for parents to understand and act on.

For many families, this isn’t a luxury; it’s the only option. Even national charities and law firms are overwhelmed. The idea that it’s somehow “safer” to leave desperate families with no help at all is what’s truly dangerous. AskEllie gives parents a starting point, not a replacement for qualified professionals.

We’ve Invited Experts In — Many Never Replied

One thing the article left out is that we have repeatedly invited solicitors, charities, and government officials to work with us to shape AskEllie responsibly. We’ve written to countless professionals asking for input, collaboration, and oversight. Most never responded.

We are not hiding. We are asking for regulation, accountability, and collaboration to make sure AI is used ethically and safely.

Serving Thousands of Parents

AskEllie has grown because it works. We now reach thousands of parents on TikTok alone, where videos explaining SEND law and parental rights have been viewed over half a million times. These are not sensationalist posts — they’re calm, evidence-based explanations designed to counter misinformation at a time when parents are more anxious than ever.

Every day, we receive messages from parents who feel abandoned, ignored, or threatened with fines and prosecutions while their children’s needs go unmet. Many are burnt-out mums just trying to survive the day. These are the people we built AskEllie for.

AskEllie+ – Our Next Step

We’ve just launched AskEllie+ — our most advanced version yet — now free on ChatGPT. It helps parents understand their rights, respond to local authority letters, and even draft EHCP sections using up-to-date UK law and guidance.

This is especially important now, because local authorities themselves are beginning to experiment with AI to draft EHCPs. While that might sound efficient, it raises real concerns:

• How will an AI system built by an LA understand the nuances of your child’s individual needs?
• Will it truly benefit families — or streamline processes in the LA’s favour?
• How do parents fight back when the other side is using advanced tech?

AskEllie+ is our answer to that. It’s built for parents, not institutions. It’s about empowerment, not automation.

The Real Danger

A solicitor quoted in the article called Ellie “dangerous.” We respectfully disagree. What’s dangerous is leaving families with no help at all.

The real-world consequences of the current system are devastating. Families go years without support. Children fall through the cracks. Parents end up at breaking point. AskEllie gives them a foothold. It helps them understand the law, organise their case, and push back — calmly and lawfully.

Moving Forward

We are proud of what AskEllie represents: ordinary people using technology ethically to close gaps in a broken system. We welcome constructive dialogue and accountability. But we won’t apologise for trying to help families who have nowhere else to turn.

If you’re a parent struggling through the SEND process, AskEllie is free and always will be. We’re here to make sure you’re not alone.

👉 Try AskEllie+ for free on ChatGPT – Click here to start

We’re excited to announce something big:
AskEllie+ is now live on ChatGPT – and it’s completely free to use.

This is the next chapter for Ellie. Built by parents, for parents, AskEllie has always aimed to make navigating the EHCP and SEND system easier, clearer, and less isolating. Now, with AskEllie+, we’re stepping things up with smarter, faster, and more personalised help – available instantly through ChatGPT.

💡 So… what’s AskEllie+?

AskEllie+ is our latest AI assistant, designed to give you even more accurate, compassionate, and action-focused support with things like:

• EHCP assessments and reviews
• Refusals to assess or issue
• Section F enforcement
• Writing parent views
• Understanding legal deadlines
• Appealing to the SEND tribunal
• Drafting responses to local authorities and schools
• Uploading letters for analysis and suggested replies

All of this is grounded in current UK SEND law – including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 – and backed by trusted sources like IPSEA, SOS!SEN, and .gov.uk.

🚀 What’s New in AskEllie+?

With AskEllie+, we’ve added powerful new features based on real parent feedback:

✅ Upload and Analyse Letters
Paste or upload letters from your LA or school – Ellie+ will summarise them and suggest how to respond, step by step.

✅ More Personalised Advice
Ellie+ adapts to your child’s situation (e.g. EBSA, PDA, ASD, school refusal) and gives tailored answers, not generic info.

✅ Faster and Smarter Responses
Running on GPT-4, AskEllie+ offers clearer, more confident guidance instantly.

✅ Free and Easy to Use
There’s no signup, no fee, no catch. Just open the ChatGPT link, start talking to Ellie, and get the help you need.

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🔗 Try AskEllie+ Now

👉 Click here to start a conversation with AskEllie+ on ChatGPT

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❤️ Why We Built This

We know how hard it is. We’re parents too.
The EHCP process can feel impossible to navigate, especially when you’re doing it alone, under pressure, and while advocating for a child who just needs the right support.

AskEllie+ is here to change that – by giving you fast, clear, and legally accurate help at your fingertips.

No jargon. No judgement. Just the answers you need, when you need them.

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If you find it helpful, please share it with others – and come follow us over on TikTok at @AskEllieAI where we share daily tips, relatable stories, and updates.

We’re just getting started.

—
The AskEllie Team

Disclaimer: Ellie provides information based on trusted sources and real parent experiences. While we do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, mistakes can sometimes happen. For important decisions, please double-check with a qualified professional or trusted organisation. Ellie is here to guide and support you — not replace expert advice. Your information is private, secure, and never shared.

If you’re a parent navigating the SEND system, I want to speak directly to you.

This week, a national newspaper got in touch asking questions about AskEllie — the free AI assistant I built to help families like mine get clear, trusted information about EHCPs, school support, and your rights. They’ve asked about my qualifications, about TikTok posts, and even whether a dad like me should be building something like this at all.

So I’m writing this before their article is published. Not to fight fire with fire — but to be open, transparent, and tell the full story in my own words. Because you deserve to know what this is really about.

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Why I Built AskEllie

A couple of years ago, my family was in crisis. Both of our sons have additional needs, and trying to get the right support for them through the EHCP process was a nightmare. We were left to figure it all out ourselves. No one explained the deadlines. No one told us our rights. We were exhausted, stressed, and constantly being fobbed off.

So I decided to do something.

I used my tech background to build a free, easy-to-use website where other parents could get instant answers based on UK SEND law and government guidance. It doesn’t collect your data. It doesn’t sell anything. And it doesn’t pretend to replace legal advice. It just gives you a place to start when you’re being ignored, gaslit, or drowning in red tape.

I called it AskEllie. And somehow, it started to grow.

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Is It Legal Advice? No. Is It Helpful? Absolutely.

Let me be clear: I’m not a solicitor. I’ve never claimed to be. The site says so clearly. Everything AskEllie shares is based on public sources like gov.uk, the SEND Code of Practice, and charities like IPSEA and Contact. It’s meant to support families, not replace professionals.

But here’s the truth: most families can’t afford legal advice. Many can’t even get help from charities because they’re overwhelmed too. So I built something to fill that gap — responsibly, ethically, and openly.

And now, major voices in the sector agree.

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Who’s Backing This?

Access to Justice Foundation, one of the UK’s leading organisations for legal access, has stepped forward to support the project and explore how we grow it safely.

An MP has asked us to collect parent stories to feed into the next Parliamentary SEND review. We’ve already received hundreds.

Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the Education Committee, has welcomed written evidence from AskEllie for future inquiries.

And a member of the House of Lords is currently arranging a meeting to explore how AskEllie could help families at scale.

None of this is about ego. It’s about showing that when the system fails, families step up. And when we embrace innovation, lives change.

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What About TikTok?

One video I posted — titled “Don’t send your kids to school” — has been mentioned as potentially scaremongering. Here’s the truth:

At the time, TikTok was full of false rumours about school lockdown drills and children being taken without consent. Parents were terrified. My video used the same headline that was already trending — not to add panic, but to calm it down.

If you watch the full video, I explain clearly that there was no legal basis for the panic. I gave parents facts, reassured them, and encouraged calm. That’s why it was seen by over half a million people. It resonated because it brought clarity when people needed it most.

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The Real Danger? Doing Nothing.

One solicitor told the journalist AskEllie was “dangerous.” I respectfully disagree. What’s dangerous is parents having nowhere to turn. No solicitor. No charity support. Just closed doors and confusing jargon.

AskEllie isn’t perfect, but it’s helping thousands. I get messages every day from mums and dads saying, “I finally understand what to do.” Or, “You helped me challenge something that wasn’t right.”

This is how we change things.

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What Happens Next

We are improving AskEllie every day. We’re adding new tools, blogs, template letters, and opportunities for collaboration. We want professionals to help us build this together. I’m not here to replace anyone. I’m here because, like you, I was tired of waiting for someone else to fix things.

From the printing press to the internet, every major leap in access to information has faced resistance at first. But we all know that empowering families with knowledge changes everything.

This is just the beginning.

Thank you for believing in AskEllie.

Oliver Lee
Founder, AskEllie.co.uk

Introduction Recently, headlines have surfaced suggesting that former U.S. President Donald Trump and his team are planning to link paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the U.S.) use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism in children. This has understandably caused concern and confusion among parents and caregivers. As with many discussions about autism, these claims come with a mix of science, speculation, and emotion. So what does the evidence actually say? And what should parents really take away from this?

What Are the Claims? According to reports, Trump advisors are preparing to issue public health guidance suggesting that:

• Pregnant women should avoid paracetamol unless treating high or serious fevers.
• There may be a link between prenatal paracetamol use and increased risk of autism or ADHD.
• A supplement called leucovorin (a form of folate) may be proposed as a treatment for some autism-related symptoms.

These ideas are reportedly tied to a broader autism policy platform being developed for a future presidential campaign.

What Does the Science Say? There have been studies suggesting a correlation between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased risks of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism or ADHD. However:

• Correlation is not causation. Just because two things happen together does not mean one causes the other.
• Some large-scale studies (such as sibling-controlled studies) have found no increased risk when controlling for genetic and environmental factors.
• The risks, if they exist, appear to be small and dependent on factors like dosage, duration, and underlying health conditions.
• Medical professionals still consider paracetamol one of the safest pain relievers to use during pregnancy when taken as directed.

What Is Leucovorin and Is It a Cure? Leucovorin is a form of folinic acid (a type of folate) sometimes used in clinical trials to address metabolic or mitochondrial issues observed in some children with autism. Early research has shown some potential improvements in communication and behaviour, but:

• It is not a cure for autism.
• It may help a subset of autistic children, particularly those with folate transport abnormalities.
• Further research is ongoing and it is not a widely accepted or standard treatment.

What Parents Should Know Right Now

1. Don’t panic. No formal policy has been announced, and the evidence being referenced is still highly debated.
2. Paracetamol is still widely regarded as safe during pregnancy when used correctly. If you’re pregnant, always speak to your doctor before making changes to medication.
3. Beware of fear-based messaging. Autism is not caused by bad parenting or a single medication. It’s a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors.
4. Be cautious of any “cure” language. Autism is not a disease. Supporting autistic people means meeting their needs, not erasing their identities.
5. Focus on support, not blame. Policies and headlines that stir fear or encourage blame do not help children or families.

Final Thoughts We need more transparency, more research, and more compassion in how we talk about autism. Parents deserve clarity, not confusion. And autistic people deserve understanding and respect, not policies rooted in fear or stigma.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the headlines or struggling with support for your autistic child, you’re not alone. AskEllie.co.uk is here to help families navigate the complex world of SEND, EHCPs, and educational rights in the UK. Come by and see us.

What Is EBSA?

EBSA stands for Emotionally Based School Avoidance — when a child or young person struggles to attend school because of underlying emotional distress. It’s often misunderstood as “school refusal,” but that label blames the child. The truth is, EBSA is not defiance — it’s anxiety.

EBSA can affect any child, but it’s especially common in those with:

• Autism (including PDA profiles)
• ADHD
• Sensory Processing Difficulties
• Anxiety or trauma history
• Undiagnosed special educational needs

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How to Recognise EBSA

Many children mask their distress, especially at school. But the signs often show up before and after the school day.

Common signs of EBSA:

• 😢 Tears, stomach aches or headaches before school
• 😴 Trouble sleeping on school nights
• 🧍‍♀️Clinginess or refusal to get ready in the morning
• 💥 Meltdowns or shutdowns after school
• 🙅 Repeated absences or lateness
• 😔 Low self-esteem, saying things like “I’m stupid” or “No one likes me”
• 📉 A drop in academic progress or energy

If your child says “I hate school” every day — but they used to love learning — this could be EBSA.

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Why It Happens

Children experiencing EBSA are often in environments that aren’t meeting their needs. They may feel overwhelmed by:

• The sensory environment (noise, lights, smells, uniforms)
• Social pressure or bullying
• Adults who don’t understand them
• Tasks that feel impossible or humiliating

And when no one listens, that emotional distress can become chronic.

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How to Talk to School About EBSA

Start by sharing what you see at home. Masking is real — and schools need to hear it.

🗣️ Use language that reflects anxiety and distress, not “bad behaviour”
📹 Keep a diary or record videos of what happens before and after school
📧 Put everything in writing — email the SENCO and class teacher regularly
📄 Request a formal meeting and ask for minutes

Ask directly:

“Have you considered EBSA as a possible explanation for what’s going on?”

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What Schools Should Do

Once EBSA is identified, schools should:

• Carry out an individual risk assessment
• Offer a tailored support plan to help the child feel safe
• Consider reduced or flexible timetables only as a short-term, supportive step
• Work with CAMHS, Educational Psychologists, or Specialist Teachers

And crucially: Schools must not ignore it.

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What If the School or LA Doesn’t Help?

Here’s where your rights matter:

📘 Section 19 of the Education Act:

If your child can’t attend school for more than 15 days (consecutive or not), the local authority has a legal duty to provide suitable alternative education.

This might include:

• 1:1 tuition at home
• Online learning
• Specialist placements

If they fail to do this, you can:

• Request help via the SEND team
• Ask for an EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) assessment
• Submit a complaint or go to SENDIST tribunal

This is where AskEllie can help — we explain your rights and guide you step by step.

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You’re Not Alone

EBSA is heartbreaking — for both the child and the parent.
You’re not overreacting. You’re not a bad parent. You’re responding to your child’s distress with care.

Thousands of families are walking this path too — quietly, exhausted, and often blamed.

But there is support out there.
You don’t have to do this alone.

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💛 Need help navigating the system?

We’ve created AskEllie to support families like yours — with legal tools, emotional guidance, and scripts to use with school and the LA.

➡️ Come see us at www.askellie.co.uk
You’re not powerless — not with the truth on your side.

Many parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) find themselves frustrated when professionals say, “We don’t see it in school.” This often happens because of masking — a coping strategy children use to hide their struggles in order to fit in, avoid judgement, or stay safe. Masking is particularly common in children with autism, ADHD, PDA, and anxiety.

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What is Masking?

Masking is when a child suppresses their natural behaviours or hides their difficulties to appear like their peers. For example:

• Holding in meltdowns or sensory distress until they get home
• Forcing eye contact even when it feels uncomfortable
• Copying the speech, mannerisms, or social cues of others
• Staying quiet in class, even when struggling, to avoid standing out

While this might make things appear fine at school, the effort required can be exhausting. Many children ‘unmask’ at home, leading to meltdowns, shutdowns, or extreme exhaustion. Parents often see the impact far more than teachers do.

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Why Schools and LAs Must Take Masking Seriously

Just because difficulties aren’t visible in the classroom doesn’t mean they aren’t real. In fact, masking itself is evidence of need. The SEND Code of Practice (2015) makes it clear that needs must be identified and supported, even if they present differently across environments.

Ignoring masking risks:

• Children not receiving the support they need
• Parents being dismissed or blamed
• Emotional harm to the child from constant suppression

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How to Communicate About Masking With Schools

1. Keep a Home Diary
   Record what happens before and after school: meltdowns, exhaustion, refusals, or physical symptoms (like headaches or stomach aches). This gives evidence of the ‘after-effects’ of masking.
2. Share Patterns With Staff
   Gently explain that your child may appear settled in school but shows distress at home. Linking specific behaviours (e.g., “He comes home exhausted on days with PE”) helps staff understand the triggers.
3. Use the Language of Law and Guidance
   Remind the school that support must be based on needs, not just what staff observe. You can refer to the SEND Code of Practice to reinforce this.
4. Request Assessments
   Ask for observations over time, sensory assessments, or input from an Educational Psychologist. Masking can be identified by looking at the bigger picture, not just surface behaviour.

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Communicating With the Local Authority (LA)

If you are applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or dealing with the LA:

• Highlight Masking in Your Request
  Clearly state that your child masks in school and explain the consequences at home. Attach diary evidence where possible.
• Counter ‘We Don’t See It’
  Emphasise that the Equality Act 2010 protects disabled children from discrimination, including when their difficulties are hidden.
• Insist on Holistic Evidence
  The LA must gather evidence from both school and parents. Your experience at home is equally valid and legally relevant.

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Key Takeaway

Masking doesn’t mean there’s no problem — it means your child is working incredibly hard to hide it. This is not sustainable and can cause long-term harm if dismissed. Schools and LAs must recognise masking as a genuine need and respond with understanding, support, and tailored strategies.

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👉 For template letters, EHCP guidance, and further advice, visit AskEllie.co.uk.

I’ve drafted your blog post on masking, understanding it, and how to communicate with schools and LAs. It covers what masking is, why it matters, how to evidence it at home, and how to frame it legally when dealing with schools or the LA.

Would you like me to make it a bit more parent voice/story-driven (sharing a relatable example of what happens when a child masks) so it connects even more emotionally with readers?

For many parents, the new school year starts with the shock of being told their child with SEND will be placed on a reduced timetable. Sometimes it’s one hour a day, sometimes mornings only — and often it’s presented as if you have no choice.

But here’s the truth: reduced timetables are not a long-term solution, and in many cases they are unlawful.

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What is a Reduced Timetable?

A reduced timetable is when a child attends school for less than the standard school day. Schools often use it when they say a child “can’t cope” or when they don’t have the staff or resources to meet needs.

While short-term, agreed arrangements can sometimes help a child transition back into school, reduced timetables should never be:

• Imposed without your agreement.
• Left open-ended with no review.
• Used because a school lacks resources.

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The Law Around Reduced Timetables

Your child has a legal right to full-time education.

• Under the Children and Families Act 2014, schools must use their best endeavours to support pupils with SEND (Section 66).
• Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, Local Authorities must provide suitable education for children who cannot attend school.

That means a reduced timetable can only be lawful if:
✅ It is short-term and agreed with parents.
✅ There is a clear written plan and timescale for returning to full-time education.
✅ It is regularly reviewed and genuinely in the child’s best interests.

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Why Reduced Timetables Are a Red Flag

Far too often, reduced timetables are used to hide the fact that schools can’t meet needs. Instead of fixing provision, the child is simply sent home. This leaves children missing out on education and families picking up the pieces.

Long-term reduced timetables:

• Damage trust between families and schools.
• Prevent children from accessing their right to education.
• Can push parents into crisis when work and home life become impossible to balance.

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What Parents Can Do

If your child has been placed on a reduced timetable:

1. Ask for it in writing — including the reasons, plan, and review date.
2. Challenge unlawful use — remind the school and LA of their duties under Section 66 and Section 19.
3. Request an urgent EHCP review if the current provision cannot meet your child’s needs.
4. Escalate if ignored — use the LA complaints process or the Local Government Ombudsman if necessary.

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Final Thought

Reduced timetables might be dressed up as “support,” but for many SEND families they are a sign that the system isn’t working. Schools and LAs have legal duties to deliver full-time, suitable education. Parents don’t have to accept half-measures.

💡 Need help challenging a reduced timetable? We’ve created free template letters to help you take the first step: AskEllie.co.uk

When it comes to EHCPs, there’s one thing most parents don’t realise: missing a key deadline could cost your child vital support.

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The 20-Week Rule

When you apply for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA), the Local Authority has strict deadlines to follow. From the day they agree to assess, they must issue the final EHCP within 20 weeks.

This timeline is written into law under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Regulations 2014.

But here’s the catch — if parents don’t keep track of the dates, it’s easy for Local Authorities to delay and leave children waiting months longer than they should.

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Why the Deadline Matters

Every week lost is a week without the right support in place. For children struggling with:

• School refusal / EBSA
• Mental health needs
• Learning difficulties
• Behaviour linked to unmet needs

…delays mean they continue to miss education, fall further behind, and often reach crisis point.

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Common Tactics of Delay

Parents tell us that Local Authorities often:

• Take weeks to “gather advice” from professionals.
• Push reviews back.
• Issue vague drafts that drag out the process.
• Rely on families not knowing the 20-week deadline exists.

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What Parents Can Do

💡 Don’t leave it to them — keep your own record.

1. Write down the date the LA agreed to assess.
2. Count forward 20 weeks — that’s your deadline for a final EHCP.
3. If the deadline passes, you can formally complain or even appeal to tribunal.
4. Don’t accept “we’re busy” as an excuse — the law is clear.

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Final Thought

The 20-week deadline isn’t a guideline — it’s the law. Missing it can cost your child months of education and support.

Parents who know this rule are in a much stronger position to hold their Local Authority to account.

👉 Need help keeping track or challenging missed deadlines? We’ve put together free template letters at AskEllie.co.uk to get you started.

When parents ask for support, many schools respond with the same line:
“We can’t do anything until your child has an EHCP.”

But here’s the truth: that’s not what the law says.

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What is Section 66?

Section 66 of the Children and Families Act 2014 places a clear duty on schools. It says that schools, colleges, and other educational institutions must:

👉 Use their “best endeavours” to secure the special educational provision required by a child’s or young person’s needs.

This duty applies whether or not a child has an EHCP.

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What “Best Endeavours” Really Means

“Best endeavours” doesn’t mean “if we feel like it” or “if funding allows.” It means schools must do everything that can reasonably be done to identify and support your child’s needs.

That could include:

• Adjusting lessons or teaching styles.
• Providing small group or 1:1 support.
• Allowing sensory breaks.
• Using technology to support learning.
• Involving outside specialists where needed.

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Why This Matters

Too many families are told to “wait for an EHCP” while their child struggles. But Section 66 makes it clear: schools cannot sit back and do nothing.

Even without an EHCP, schools must act. They cannot use lack of funding, resources, or “policy” as an excuse to deny support.

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What Parents Can Do

💡 If your child is struggling and the school is refusing support:

1. Put your request in writing and quote Section 66 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
2. Ask for evidence of what “best endeavours” the school has put in place so far.
3. Request a review meeting to discuss what further support can be offered.
4. If nothing changes, escalate to the Local Authority — and if needed, use the complaints process.

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Final Thought

Section 66 is one of the most powerful parts of SEND law — but most parents are never told it exists. Knowing your rights means you can challenge schools that say “we can’t help” and make sure your child gets the support they deserve.

👉 Need help putting this into action? Download free template letters at AskEllie.co.uk.