In the first session of our 3 part series, EHCP Essentials: Mastering the EHCP Process for Your VI Child, guest speakers Lynne Pierce, Education Advocacy Officer at Blatchington Court Trust and Laura Hughes, CEO for Moorvision talked through what an EHCP is and who is entitled to one.

The session covered:

  • What is an EHCP?
  • How to get an EHCP – the assessment process and statutory criteria.
  • Understanding the EHCP form and what to include.
  • EHCP myth busters.

Session 1 resources.

Explore the YouTube links below to watch this insightful and valuable session, packed with practical advice and useful information.

Session introduction and exploring what is SEND & what is an EHCP?

Vision Impairment and SEN

Understanding how the world looks to a vision-impaired child and what is accessible and meaningful to your VI child.

How to get the appropriate support for your child.

SEN support what to do next.

When is an EHCP appropriate?

What is an EHCP and what does one look like?

Obtaining an EHCP – The timeline.

How to apply for a statutory assessment – Myth busting.

Examples of information to include in a statutory assessment.

The right to appeal

Panel Q&A

We would like to say a huge thank you to our expert panel Lynne Pierce and Laura Hughes, and to the parents who joined this session, we look forward to seeing you at the next EHCP webinar.

Session 2: What makes a good EHCP and who can help? is on 4th November at 7pm

Topics we’ll be discussing include:

  • What does a good EHCP look like?
  • How to be specific and measurable
  • Professional reports
  • What you can do as the parent

Our expert panel will then answer questions that were submitted by the group when registering for the session and share resources for the topics areas we have discussed.

You’ll need to register for each individual session before 11 am on the day of the event. This deadline is in place to help safeguard our online events. If you miss this deadline please contact info@look-uk.org on the understanding that we cannot guarantee your participation.

Sign up today, and let’s navigate this together!

Session 3 – What can I do if I want to appeal?

On the 25th of November at 7 pm we’ll be discussing:

  • What to do if there is a refusal or disputes
  • How to prepare your case
  • What to do at the tribunal
  • Common pitfalls when going to tribunal

Our expert panel will then answer questions that were submitted by the group when registering for the session and share resources for the topics areas we have discussed.

Meet the guest speakers

Image of Laura smiling at the camera, she is wearing a black top and knitted lightweight scarf.

Laura Hughes, Moorvision CEO.

Laura Hughes is the CEO of MoorVision, a charity providing activities, information, advice, support and advocacy to families of children and young people aged 0-29 with vision impairment across Devon and Cornwall. Laura is also the parent of a young adult with vision impairment.

Image of Lynne Pierce smiling at the camera with shoulder length hair wearing a patterned blue and green top and grey cardigan.

Lynne Pierce, Education Advocacy Officer at Blatchington Court Trust.

Lynne is the Education Advocacy Officer at Blatchington Court Trust, providing information, advice, support and advocacy to families of partially sighted/severely sight impaired and Blind children and young people across Sussex.

Lynne joined BCT over 8 years ago having previously worked for the RNIB group since 1997. Initially teaching in a specialist Further Education College for visually impaired young people (16+), Lynne subsequently managed one of the RNIB College Partnerships then Team Leader of the London & South East Children & Young People’s Service.

Image of Ruth Buckroyd with short, dark curly hair wearing a black and white striped top

Ruth Buckroyd, Educational Advocacy Assistant at Blatchington Court Trust.

Ruth Buckroyd is the Educational Advocacy Assistant at Blatchington Court Trust, a charity providing activities, information, advice, support and advocacy to families of children and young people aged 0-29 with vision impairment across Sussex.

Ruth provides administrative support to the advocacy team and joined BCT at the end of Sept 2023. She is currently studying towards the SEND Law Level 1 Course provided by IPSEA. Ruth is severely sight impaired with the condition Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Image of Sophie Heiser with short hair and black rimmed glasses wearing an orange top with circle print on it.

Sophie Heiser, Advocacy & Well-Being Manager for Blatchington Court Trust.

Sophie is the Advocacy & Well-Being Manager for Blatchington Court Trust. Her team’s work involves meeting and introducing new clients and their families to the trust, helping with educational issues, managing the counselling service and liaising with LOOK’s mentoring scheme.

Sophie chairs the Educational Advocacy Forum which is a virtual national meeting where discussions are held around the national picture of SEND education specifically considering its impact on VI learners.


Please note that this session will be recorded and published on podcasting platforms, so if you contribute during the session, you consent to appear in the recording.