#124 Fighting for Our Kids: The Harsh Truth About SEND Support in Schools

In one of our most heartfelt episodes yet, we sit down with Laura and Kate from the SEND Consultancy Group to unpack the overwhelming challenges families face when trying to get the right education support for their children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).From EHCP battles and tribunal hearings, to the lack of training in schools, this is a raw and eye-opening conversation. Both guests have lived experience as parents and professionals in the SEND world—and what they share will strike a chord with so many.Whether you’re a SEND parent, teacher, local authority worker, or simply want to understand the UK’s broken system—this episode is for you. We also spotlight their incredible new event “Together for SEND Families in Kent”, offering support, speakers, and solidarity.#SENDsupport #CherrywoodPodcast #EHCPtruth🧠 Topics include:What SEND really means and how it affects familiesThe broken EHCP process and lack of accountabilityLaura’s powerful story of navigating SEND with four of her childrenPractical advice and where to get helpThe emotional toll and isolation many parents faceThe upcoming SEND event in Kent (everyone should know about this!)⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Podcast intro with Laura & Kate0:06 – What is the SEND Consultancy Group?1:25 – Introduction to Together for SEND event2:06 – Sponsor shoutouts3:01 – What does SEND stand for?10:03 – Simon’s story about his son in Portugal12:10 – EHCP process explained & legal challenges17:04 – The emotional toll on parents20:05 – Difficulties getting EHCPs approved27:02 – Struggles with private assessments and funding36:03 – Legal wording in EHCPs and enforceability40:06 – Schools failing to support appropriately44:20 – Lack of specialist schools and accountability50:18 – Systemic failures from the government down1:02:03 – Details about the Together for SEND event1:06:43 – Power of social media and ticket demand1:08:48 – Emotional impact and community support1:11:08 – Why Laura does this work & how to get her help1:21:01 – Final thoughts, links, and how to get involved🎟️ SEND Event: Together for SEND Families in Kent📅 Friday 26th September🕘 9:15 AM – 2:30 PM📍 Lordswood Leisure Centre💬 6 Expert Guest Speakers | 🧸 Exhibitors | 🍽️ Free Lunch | ☕ Hot Drinks💷 Tickets: Only £5 via www.togetherforsend.co.uk🌐 More from Laura & Kate:🌍 Website: www.thesendconsultancygroup.co.uk📞 Contact & Socials: All details on the site💡 EHCP Workshop access included for event attendees🧾 Podcast SponsorsDe Medici Associates – demediciassociates.comRight at Home Medway – rightathome.co.uk/uk/medwayClearwater Kent – clearwaterkent.co.ukCherrywood Productions – cherrywoodpro.comHindsight Directory – hindsightdirectory.co.ukNu Digital – nudigital.co.ukSnugdubs Campervan Hire – snugdubs.co.uk💬 Let us know in the comments if you’ve struggled with EHCPs, or if you’re attending the event—we’d love to hear from you and spread awareness.Welcome to Cherrywood Podcast, your source for inspiring conversations and compelling stories. Join us as we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals from various fields, offering insights into personal growth, entrepreneurship, creativity, and more. Subscribe for positivity, authenticity, and engaging discussions. Learn how we blew up on YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkif0i1i5oaDN83UzwYQQBSH-4DEMhfJ0&si=zzna8zvRN2Jyqzv3https://youtu.be/p9GnbbykQoM?si=cBr4ZHuNwXumP_4RContact:📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: 07857 283 005🌐 Website: www.cherrypro.co.uk📱 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cherrywoodproductions📸 Instagram: @cherrywoodproGuests Song Choices playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3YxsMkrJLbFQSjeRKfzcCQ?si=21a21d1ef9534479Disclaimer: Views expressed by guests on Cherrywood Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or producers.