Lost in the SEN System

Lost in the SEN System is the no-nonsense survival guide every parent wishes they'd been given at the start. If you're raising a child with special educational needs, you already know the reality: endless meetings, confusing jargon, shifting goalposts, and a system that seems designed to exhaust you. This book cuts through the fog. Written by an experienced SEN teacher, SENCO, and case officer — and by someone who has lived the system personally — this guide explains SEN and EHCPs in plain English, without sugar-coating or blame. You'll learn how the system really works, where it commonly fails families, and how to protect your child while protecting yourself from burnout. Inside, you'll discover: What SEN support and EHCPs actually mean (and what schools don't always tell you) How to navigate schools, professionals, and local authorities with confidence How to advocate effectively without becoming labelled "difficult" Practical strategies for meetings, reports, assessments, and provision How to survive the process emotionally — and keep going when it feels relentless This is not a legal textbook. It's not an inspirational memoir. It's a clear, honest, parent-to-parent handbook for anyone who feels lost in the maze — and needs a way through. You are not failing your child. The system is failing families — and this book helps you fight back, informed and prepared.