SEN RIGHTS

Providing advice to parents and
Local  Authorities in relation to
Special Educational Needs

Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) Advocate

My name is Deirdre Simpson, and I am a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advocate.

I give expert advice and support to parents, carers and Local Authorities, in respect to special educational needs (SEN) and Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) throughout England and Wales.

My job is to answer any questions, or concerns, you may have around your child’s education.  I give completely objective and impartial advice for those looking to navigate special educational needs and EHCPs.

Although I am a qualified Solicitor I have chosen to use the title ‘Advocate’ when representing parents/carers; this enables me to provide my services at a reduced cost.  I firmly believe that parents/carers should be able to access expert advice without it costing them a fortune.

Qualifications:

  • Solicitor/Advocate (covering England & Wales)
  • Law Society’s Final Examinations
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Law

Expertise:

  • Support, advocacy advice, and representation to parents/carers of children in relation to SEN, EHCPs, SEND/SENTW appeals and Tribunal Hearings
  • Legal advice to Local Authorities in relation to SEN Law
  • Criminal Litigation and Child Care (Regulatory Lawyer)
  • Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service (Avon & Somerset)

What I Do

Are you frustrated by the lack of appropriate educational provision for your child?

Does your child have an EHCP which isn’t fit for purpose?

Is your child’s school placement failing?

Do you feel your concerns are falling on deaf ears and that every step you take to assist in your child’s education feels like a constant battle?

For many parents, the fight for appropriate education for their child can seem never-ending and all consuming; that is why I set up SEN Rights, to give parents in England and Wales the advice, and the support, they need.  Whilst operating as an Advocate, and not under the framework of a Solicitor, I provide a cost-efficient option to parents/carers whilst maintaining a professional service in the best interest of your child.

I firmly believe there are few things more important than a child’s education.  I do not believe parents should have to compromise on the quality of their child’s school experience because of tricky special educational needs law and practices, and high costs which can be associated with instructing solicitors.  I am here to support you, answer any questions you may have, and guide you to get the right education package for your child.

Special Educational Needs Advocate

As a specialist SEN Advocate, I am entirely independent and remain completely objective when it comes to giving an expert opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of your individual case. I do not believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to children and their education.

Instead, I judge and advise each parent on a case-by-case basis to ensure they get the best advice and support possible. My goal is to offer parents a realistic way forward. I have also worked in Local Authorities and have gained a thorough understanding of their educational system.

In my many years of experience, I have noticed that most of my cases are resolved without the need to attend a Tribunal. My aim is to keep proceedings as easy and as hassle-free, as possible, for parents. I pride myself on being extremely adept at negotiating with Local Authorities to get the best provision for your child.

More About Me

SEN and EHCP Advocacy Services

As the founder and Managing Director of SEN Rights , I provide several comprehensive services when it comes to educational needs, including:

  • Preparing requests for Education, Health & Care Needs Assessment (which lead to an EHCP)
  • Conducting EHCP reviews
  • Parental representation at EHCP Annual Reviews and/or school meetings
  • Preparing appeals and representing parents/carers at SEND/SENTW Tribunals (First and Upper Tier)
  • Advising on Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) 
  • Lodging official complaints on your behalf

I am here to push your case forward for you.

Contact Me

SEN Rights is based in Bath, Somerset.  However, I offer advocacy help and support to parents across England and Wales.  So, if you need of a competent SEN/EHCP Advocate, please get in touch today.

Contact Me

SEN Rights provides help and support to parents across England and Wales.  If you need a competent SEN/EHCP Advocate please get in touch today by completing the adjacent form.  We will try our utmost to contact you within 48 hours.

 

Legal Aid

Unfortunately, we do not have a contract with the Legal Aid scheme.  Therefore, we are unable to advise on cases where the client is entitled to Legal Aid.  Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid to check if you are entitled to Legal Aid and to source a Legal Aid registered solicitor.

 

Data Protection

The data captured on this form will only be used by SEN Rights in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

 

9 + 7 =

* All form fields are mandatory

SEN RIGHTS

TESTIMONIALS

SARA QUINN - Kent

“I can’t thank you enough or explain what it means, to know that my child will now have every chance of leaving school with at least some qualifications. Deirdre worked very hard on this case. My whole family are so very grateful.”

DAISY DYER - Frome

“When I first spoke to Deirdre I was in a very complex and stressful impasse with the local authority regarding my sons’ EHCP with only a few weeks to go before the Tribunal date.  Due to her expertise, experience and professionalism, she was able to direct and advise me to reach agreement before the hearing date.  Deirdre was a clear, cool head offering expert advice during a very distressing time.  I am very grateful to her and would recommend her services to anyone in need of advice at any stage of this very difficult process.

Deirdre was an amazing help for me during the process of me choosing a school for my sons EHCP plan.

I was very distressed and overwhelmed she helped me get a second education phycologist report which then opened up far more possibilities for our choices of schools.

It’s ended with us getting into a school we really wanted to go to with the budget being doubled without any court cases or legal battle.

Just having Deirdre available with her gentle but sharp approach with all the legal information at her fingertips meant that I knew just what I needed to say, and when, to both the schools and the SEND team.  She encouraged me to work out what is right for my child and our family not just a textbook response.”