Watkins Solicitors to Host SEN Information Day for Parents and Carers in Bristol
Watkins Solicitors is inviting parents and carers to a dedicated SEN Information Day in Bristol on Monday 19 October 2026, providing practical information about SEND, Education, Health and Care Plans and the wider SEN process.
Families navigating special educational needs can be faced with a large amount of information, unfamiliar terminology and important decisions about their child’s education and support.
Our SEN Information Day has been created to bring parents and carers together with our specialist Education Law team for clear, practical information in an accessible setting.
The day is intended to help families better understand the SEN process, the role of Education, Health and Care Plans and the options that may be available when support or provision is not working as expected.
What Can Parents and Carers Expect?
Practical Education Law Information
- Clear, practical information from specialist Education Law solicitors
- Guidance on SEND, Education, Health and Care Plans and the wider SEN process
- Information designed to help parents and carers understand their options and next steps
- An opportunity to hear directly from a team that works with families navigating education law issues every day
Who Is the Day For?
- Parents and carers who are new to the SEN process
- Families already dealing with an EHCP or support dispute
- Parents who want a clearer understanding of education law and their child’s rights
- Carers looking for practical information before deciding what to do next
Why We Are Holding the SEN Information Day
Education law can feel complicated, particularly when a family is already trying to manage meetings, professional reports, school correspondence and concerns about whether a child or young person is receiving the support they need.
Our aim is to make reliable information easier to understand and give parents and carers a clearer picture of the legal framework around SEN support and EHCPs.
The event will provide an opportunity to hear from our specialist solicitors who regularly advise families on education law matters and understand the practical challenges that can arise when dealing with schools, colleges and local authorities.
What We Will Cover
The day will guide parents and carers through the EHC needs assessment and EHCP process from beginning to end, focusing on the areas included in the event programme.
Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment
What should be included, how to write an effective application and understanding what constitutes additional provision.
Evidence Gathering and Legal Requirements
Understanding the evidence required, including key legal requirements such as SEN Regulation 6(1)(h), and what is needed for an effective application.
Timescales and Draft Plans
What happens once the process begins and how to interpret and respond to a draft EHC Plan.
Understanding EHC Plans
A detailed look at Sections B and F, how to ensure provision is specific and quantified, and what to expect in Section I.
Independent School Placements and Post-16 Support
Guidance on navigating placements and appeals, including issues relating to post-16 support.
Extended Appeals and Tribunal Advice
Health and social care content in EHCPs, appeal types, relevant timescales and what to expect at Tribunal.
Annual Reviews and Pre-Action
Understanding your rights and responsibilities when the statutory process is not followed.
What You Will Leave With
The aim of the day is to help parents and carers leave feeling more informed, empowered and confident when navigating the EHC process and advocating for their child.
Book Your Place
The SEN Information Day takes place in Bristol on Monday 19 October 2026 at 10:00am. General Admission is £16 and includes a light lunch and tea or coffee.
What Parents Have Said About Previous SEN Information Days
Previous Watkins Solicitors SEN Information Days have been particularly valued for combining specialist legal knowledge with practical, accessible explanations.
“Thank you so much for offering all your expertise and advice. I feel much more confident about starting the EHCP process.”
“Watkins Solicitors are very knowledgeable and friendly and absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much, this will make a huge difference to my two autistic children.”
Practical Information
Event Details
Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Start time: 10:00am
Venue: The Foundation, Lower Ground Floor, St George’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5BE
Ticket: £16 General Admission
Included: Light lunch and tea or coffee
Booking: Places are limited and advance booking is required.
About Our Education Law Team
Watkins Solicitors has a specialist, multi-award-winning Education Law team supporting children, young people, parents and carers with a wide range of SEN and education law matters.
Our solicitors advise on issues including Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, EHCPs, annual reviews, school placements, phase transfers, education otherwise than at school, transport, exclusions, disability discrimination and appeals.
The team regularly represents families in complex SEND matters and understands how difficult it can be to navigate local authority processes while also trying to secure the right education and support for a child or young person.
We focus on giving families clear explanations, practical advice and a realistic understanding of the options available.
Our Education Law team was named Education Team of the Year at the Bristol Law Society Awards 2025. This SEN Information Day brings that specialist knowledge into an accessible, practical format for parents and carers.
Need Education Law Advice?
You do not need to know exactly which legal route applies before contacting us. Our friendly team can listen to what has happened and help identify the next step.