On Thursday 5th March we hosted a very special event at the Earls Court Community Hub for families navigating the often confusing world of SEND law. Together with Tally & Associates Legal Services, a private law firm that specialises in SEND law, we welcomed parents and carers to the Earls Court Development Hub for a free support session focused on one important message: you are not alone on this journey.
A Powerful Message: ‘Parents Are Heroes’
The tone for the session was set early on when Amina, Director of Tally & Associates, held up a medal badge from one of the goody bags, which read “Parents Are Heroes.” She reminded everyone of the resilience, strength and relentless commitment parent carers demonstrate every single day—something that is rarely acknowledged by professionals. This heartfelt moment received a warm round of applause and created an atmosphere of encouragement and empowerment that carried throughout the workshop.
Making Sense of it All
For many families, understanding their child’s rights can feel overwhelming. Questions about support, therapies, school responsibilities, and EHCP processes often leave parents feeling uncertain or unheard. Our goal was to create a space where families could gain clarity, confidence, and practical guidance.
One memorable moment was a simple but effective visual demonstration using paper plates and cups. Plates represented whether a child had an EHCP or not, while cups symbolised the provision each child may require. This visual helped parents clearly understand how support should be structured around needs, not limited by resources or assumptions.
During the session we explored key topics including:
• Understanding children’s legal rights in education
• Accessing support at the earliest possible stage
• Securing appropriate special educational provisions
• Obtaining specialist therapies such as Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and more
• EHCP requests, reviews, and amendments
• Challenging schools and local authorities when necessary
• Tribunal guidance and legal representation
This was followed by a presentation on the key areas of the legally enforceable EHCP that parents should focus on—particularly the importance of using specific, detailed and measurable wording to accurately reflect a child’s needs.
What made the morning truly meaningful were the conversations. Parents shared their experiences, asked important questions, and connected with Tally team who understand the challenges they face every day.
Supporting Families Beyond the Session
Events like this remind us how powerful community can be. When families have the right information and support, they are better equipped to advocate for their children and ensure they receive the education and care they deserve. Collaborating with Tally and Associates has been essential in delivering this session, and we are thankful for this partnership in supporting families.
We are also deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to such an open and supportive discussion. To thank families for attending, Tally & Associates provided sensory‑themed goody bags filled with items such as fidget toys and foam lights—thoughtfully chosen with SEND children in mind.
Even though the firm works on a private, fee‑paying basis, they kindly offered parents a free 15‑minute consultation, which was very well received. Feedback from attendees afterwards was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how much clearer and more confident they now feel about navigating SEND processes.
Because every child deserves the right support — and every parent deserves to feel heard.