Fiducia TogetherEducational advocacy
Someone speaking up alongside you, or for a young person who wants their own voice heard.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Advocacy is independent support to express views and secure rights — in meetings, in complaints, and in decisions about a young person's education.
Where it applies
Parents, and children and young people in their own right.
How it works
SENDIASS provides advice and often attends meetings. Independent advocacy for children in care and for those with communication difficulties is available separately, and for young people over 16 with an EHCP it matters more as rights transfer.
What you can ask for
Ask SENDIASS to come with you. It is free and it changes the meeting.
For a young person, ask what THEY want to say and whether they want to say it themselves, with support, or through someone else.
Bring anyone you want to a school meeting. You do not need permission.
Where to get help
SENDIASS for free local advice, IPSEA and Contact nationally.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.