A legally grounded, 6-section guide that gives you the exact evidence Local Authorities cannot ignore. Written by a former Headteacher and SENCo of 25 years who has sat on both sides of the table.
⬇ Download Free PDF NowThis is the same framework Stephen uses with families in his paid advisory sessions. It covers every phase of building a legally robust EHCP case — from documenting educational needs to submitting a parent-led application directly to the Local Authority.
Download it now, print it out, and start building your case today. No email address required.
⬇ Download Free PDFPDF · 6 sections · Printable · Free forever
The Legal Threshold — The exact wording of Section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014 and why the bar is much lower than schools claim.
Phase 1: Educational Evidence — School progress reports, IEPs, standardised assessment scores, and work samples.
Phase 2: Masking & Health Evidence — The Meltdown Log, sensory trigger mapping, and how to use specialist reports.
Phase 3: Parent & Child Voice — How to write a compelling Parent Statement using the "Good Day vs. Bad Day" framework.
How to Submit — The exact step-by-step process for submitting a parent-led EHCNA request directly to the Local Authority.
What to Do If Refused — Your appeal rights, the 2-month deadline, and why over 95% of tribunal appeals are won by parents.
The checklist is structured around the three phases of evidence-gathering that Local Authorities are legally required to consider.
Understand the exact legal test under Section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014 — and why "may have" is the key phrase that unlocks your rights.
A table-by-table guide to gathering school reports, IEPs, standardised scores, and work samples — and why each piece of evidence matters legally.
The Meltdown Log template, sensory trigger mapping, and how to compile specialist reports from GPs, OTs, SLTs, and CAMHS.
The "Good Day vs. Bad Day" framework for writing a compelling Parent Statement that sets the tone for the entire EHCP document.
The exact step-by-step process for submitting a parent-led EHCNA request directly to the Local Authority — bypassing the school entirely.
Your appeal rights, the 2-month tribunal deadline, and why over 95% of SEND Tribunal appeals are won by parents who fight back.
The checklist exposes these myths with the exact legal references you need to challenge them.
There is no academic threshold in the Children and Families Act 2014. The legal test is whether they have a learning difficulty that requires special provision.
If your child collapses at home after school, they are masking. The law requires the LA to assess needs across all environments, including the home.
No law requires a school to spend £6,000 before a parent can request an EHCNA. You can apply directly to the Local Authority yourself, today.
The law says "may have" special educational needs. A formal diagnosis is not required. Proof of need and provision is sufficient.
I spent 25 years as a Headteacher and SENCo. I know exactly how Local Authorities and schools use budget myths, waiting lists, and internal policies to delay and deny support for children who legally qualify for it.
I also have two children of my own with special educational needs. I have lived the experience you are going through right now. I know what it feels like to be told your child is "fine" when you know they are not.
I created this checklist — and the free 15-minute call — because every parent deserves access to the legal knowledge that changes outcomes. You should not have to pay a solicitor to understand your child's rights.