🌼 North Solihull SEND Family Newsletter – Spring 2025 🌼

Celebrating Connections and Community

As we move into brighter months, we’ve had some beautiful moments with our community—full of creativity, connection, and celebration!

💐 Mother’s Day Crafts We kicked off spring by getting creative with our children and young people, crafting thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts together. It was a lovely, inclusive session filled with smiles, glitter, and plenty of love—a reminder of the joy in simply making something together.

🚶 Walk & Talk Sessions Have Begun! Our new Walk and Talk sessions are now happening. Keep an eye on Events to see when next one is. These gentle, accessible walks are a space for SEND parents and carers to chat, breathe, and connect in nature. No pressure, no judgement—just movement, company, and understanding. Join us when you can!

🌙 Eid Celebration at Jilabi Restaurant In April, we celebrated Eid with a delicious community meal at Jilabi. It was a heartwarming evening shared with families and friends, strengthening the bonds that make our group so special.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: New SEND Tribunal Rules from 15 July 2025 ⚠️

We also want to draw your urgent attention to some very significant changes that will affect anyone preparing for an EHCP appeal after 15 July 2025. The SEND Tribunal is introducing strict new rules about what documents can be included in hearing bundles.

Here’s what every parent and carer needs to know:

🔍 1. Page Limits Are Now Firm

• Main case documents (your appeal, the council’s response, tribunal orders): Max 100 pages

• EHCP and supporting reports: Max 150 pages

• Expert reports (e.g. educational psychology): Max 15 pages, must include a 2-page summary

📂 2. Prepare Your Evidence Early

• Use clear, up-to-date reports—quality over quantity.

• If a report is long, work with your advisors to pick out only the essential parts.

• Reports over 3 years old? Include only if absolutely necessary.

📝 3. Working Document = 25 Pages Max

• The “working document” used to propose changes to the EHCP must be no longer than 25 pages.

⏳ 4. Tighter Rules on Late Evidence

• Don’t leave it until the last minute.

• Late additions (less than 5 days before hearing) may not be allowed.

• Always request permission if submitting late evidence.

🧠 5. Complex Needs? Ask for More Space

• If your child has complex needs and the limits are too tight, you can apply for extra pages—but this must be requested formally and early.

🎯 6. Be Selective—Focus on What Matters

• Only include documents that clearly explain your child’s needs and support requirements.

• Avoid long email threads, old drafts, or duplicates unless they are truly vital.

💬 Final Tip: If you’re unsure whether your evidence bundle meets the new rules, speak to your legal rep, advocate, or SEND advisor early in the process.

Don’t wait. Planning ahead is now more important than ever.

We know this change is worrying. It risks disadvantaging those without legal support. But we’ll be here to help however we can—through workshops, drop-ins, and community support.

📩 If you have questions about these changes or want help preparing for tribunal, please get in touch.

Together, we are stronger. 💜

—Solihull SEND Support Group. Empowering families. Championing rights. Building a fairer future.