Little Nellies · For legal professionals
SEND evidence review and case preparation for solicitors
A focused review can help identify what the existing EHCP evidence says, where it leaves gaps and which practical preparation tasks are needed. Our existing SEND services can support a defined instruction while the solicitor retains conduct of the case.
Choose the task, rather than assuming a complete case service
Evidence Review, Evidence Pack, content-appeal support and working-document support are different services. Start with the question to be answered: is the evidence unclear, is new assessment required, or does the case need help organising proposed changes?
Our Evidence Review examines the available material and identifies gaps and inconsistencies. It is not the same as commissioning new professional assessments. Where new evidence is needed, the appropriate assessment must be separately identified and agreed.
Content-appeal support can involve reviewing the EHCP and evidence, helping prepare the appeal and developing proposed changes. A solicitor-led instruction should specify which preparation tasks are delegated and which remain with the firm.
A clear division of responsibilities
- Identify the documents to be reviewed, their versions and the issues in dispute.
- Agree whether the output is an evidence review, practical case-preparation support or a working document.
- Record who owns filing, service, correspondence, legal submissions and deadline management. Do not assume those responsibilities transfer with a review.
- Distinguish existing evidence from new professional opinion and flag matters that require a different discipline.
- Confirm the handover format, review points, deadline and any separately chargeable further work.
Working documents and hearings
A working document is used to track proposed changes to an EHCP. The starting version, disputed sections, supporting evidence and responsibility for agreeing wording should be clear. A working-document instruction is not an assurance that the other party will agree the proposed changes.
Case preparation does not automatically include mediation, tribunal hearing representation or expert-witness attendance. Each role has its own scope. If a hearing is approaching, disclose the date immediately so that feasibility can be checked before you rely on support being available.
Little Nellies does not act as the instructing solicitor. Legal advice, the merits of the appeal and procedural strategy remain with your firm. Our agreed contribution is specialist SEND support and professional evidence within the practitioner’s competence.
Questions about review and preparation
Will a review produce a new assessment report?
Not automatically. An Evidence Review considers existing material. A new social-care assessment or other expert input must be separately scoped, or included expressly in an agreed Evidence Pack instruction.
Does preparation include lodging an appeal or attending the hearing?
Only tasks expressly included in the accepted instruction are covered. Do not infer filing, service, deadline management or attendance from the phrase case preparation. Agree the allocation of responsibilities in writing.
Can you work alongside the family’s solicitor?
This section is designed to help solicitors identify a defined evidence or support requirement. We will confirm suitability, communication arrangements and scope before accepting the work.
Related services and guidance
Official sources
The statutory and Tribunal references below concern England. They provide context for the instruction; the instructing solicitor remains responsible for legal advice and the conduct of the case.
Discuss a professional instruction
Tell us your firm, the type of evidence needed, the case stage and any relevant deadline. We will confirm whether the instruction fits our expertise, who would undertake it, the scope, fee and availability before work is agreed. Do not send a bundle or identifying information about a child through an initial general enquiry. Ask us to agree a secure route for case documents.