We spoke to Bath Family Law about their new SEND Support service and how it’s helping families navigate divorce and separation.
Managing the complexities of a breakup is difficult enough, especially when kids are involved. But for parents raising children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) the pressures are often magnified.
“Many couples going through a relationship breakdown also have children with additional needs, or are neurodivergent themselves,” shares Kelly Lampard, Parent Advocate for SEND Families at Bath Family Law. “And yet very few organisations who support families through separation offer a dedicated SEND pathway.”
She’s passionate about this new holistic service from Bath Family Law, which focuses on helping people get the right support when they need it most. “In simple terms, we guide separating families through the parts of SEND that feel confusing or overwhelming, making sure they know their rights and have a clear plan moving forward.”
Not only is Kelly the founder of SEND Navigator (a digital tool designed to assist families with the day-to-day realities of SEND), but she’s also a qualified neurodiversity coach with IPSEA legal training (levels 1-3). But at the heart of it all, she admits, is her lived experience as a SEND parent.
“I have three children. Each is either diagnosed or on the pathway for autism and ADHD, and between them we also manage dyslexia and sensory processing differences,” she adds.
“All are in mainstream education with varying levels of support. They’re capable and bright, but the system doesn’t always flex to meet their needs without a fight.”
Kelly knows firsthand how challenging it can be to work out what your child is legally entitled to, not to mention the practicalities of accessing support. “The SEND system can feel incredibly overwhelming. The paperwork, the terminology, the timelines – it’s a lot to wrap your head around.”
This is where Bath Family Law’s new SEND Support service steps in. A family breakup can be overwhelming for any child – but for children with extra needs, navigating new co-parenting arrangements, routines and homes is even more challenging. Having a SEND advocate like Kelly by your side can cut through all the noise – clarifying the process, easing the pressure and saving you enormous amounts of time and emotional energy.
“No family should have to face the system alone – and no child should be left behind because it’s hard to navigate,” she continues. “Our service combines professional expertise, with a compassionate approach to family support. Giving parents clarity and confidence – so they can be present for their child rather than consumed by worry and stress.”
The team can help with every aspect of a child’s SEND journey – from early diagnosis and coping strategies, to understanding EHCP processes and applications for disability benefit or Blue Badges. They can also help you draft effective letters to your child’s school or local authority.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is that schools often don’t have the relevant training, funding or most up-to-date information regarding SEND,” Kelly confides. “There’s also a huge lack of awareness around the Right to Choose pathway, which can reduce a diagnosis wait time from three or four years on the NHS, to just a few weeks with an NHS-partnered provider.”
She feels very strongly that the right support, at the right time, can be life changing. “This new service from Bath Family Law isn’t just about helping separating parents with SEND paperwork and processes whilst they navigate their new family dynamics,” she concludes. “It’s about giving children the support they deserve now, so they can grow into confident, well-adjusted, and – most importantly – happy adults.”
For more information on Bath Family Law’s SEND Support service, or to book a free initial consultation with Kelly or one of their family law experts, visit bathfamilylaw.co.uk
