So I guess the first question for me, really, or a good starting point would be for parents who are perhaps at the very start of their journey, perhaps they're suspecting that their child may have additional needs, what would be a good starting point for them, um, at, at the start of this journey?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

I mean, I think we, we talked about it, didn't we, Sarah? It, it can be a minefield, can't it? There are all the information out there, and it's, for parents, it's really tricky to know where to, to go and where to trust, you know, the advice that's out there.

Um, as a lawyer [chuckles] and approaching this as a lawyer, I would say it's always good for parents to know what the law says and, and so that they understand what they are entitled to support-wise from the local authority, from schools, et cetera.

And I always say good point to start is the SEND Code of Practice.

It is a lengthy document, but it sets out in very easy-to-read and understandable language, which is not legalistic, but it sets out the journey from perhaps initially sort of finding out that your child's having difficulties, um, with their education, early years and going through primary school, secondary school, and even, you know, higher up, further education.

Um, how should parents know whether or not their child should have an EHCP or whether or not they can manage without one?