The legal lifeline for SEN families with Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN

SEND Parenting Podcast · 2025-04-28

Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN charity, shares how they empower families navigating the special educational needs system through legal support, advice centres, and their national helpline. Their pre-action protocol letters achieve a remarkable 97-98% success rate in resolving cases without going to tribunal, saving families from lengthy legal battles while securing proper educational provisions.

• SOS SEN started 20 years ago when concerned individuals helped parents fight a special needs school closure
• The charity offers both emotional support and practical legal guidance to families struggling with local authorities
• Their pre-action protocol letters remind local authorities of their legal obligations, often resolving cases immediately
• Local authorities spent £100 million fighting tribunals with only 2% success rate – wasting money that could support children
• The charity has expanded to offer advice centres across England and doubled their helpline hours
• All services are designed to be accessible regardless of financial circumstances
• Top tips include: keep everything in writing, find your supportive "tribe" of other SEND parents, and use first names with professionals to level the playing field

Click here to get more information on SOS!SEN

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SEND Parenting Podcast

Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast.

As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks.

Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to your ears to empower you on your parenting crusade.

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