Has anyone used an EHCP consultant/advocate?

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DS age 3.4 was formally diagnosed with ASD recently. We are awaiting the official report by post. He goes to mainstream nursery and although they have been brilliant with them he uses up more than their standard SEN resources.

Nursery recommended we apply for the EHCP and they can support, as apparently a nursery-led application can be viewed more rigidly by the panel? From conversations about EHCPs with nursery earlier in the year they said in 11 years they've never had one come back approved. Possibly its not their strong point.

Anyway, I know EHCPs can be like gold dust, need certain buzzwords included, a long process etc. We have loads of reports/supporting evidence and I don't know where to start. I'm wondering for efficiency/guidance if we commission an consultancy or independent consultant to handle the administration side for us? We've just had another baby so things are hectic and busy at home. DS is due to start primary school in Sept '24. Still pre-verbal, in pull ups, communicates via taking someone or showing someone to what he wants.

Thanks!

IPSEA has a model letter you can use to request an EHCNA. Unless you really want to, you don’t need an advocate, consultant or solicitor at this stage, or even at all, but even more so at this stage. Personally, I think you would be better saving your money for independent reports if you need to appeal. If you do use an advocate/consultant, choose carefully. It is an unregulated business and some do more harm than good.

Whatever you do, you must still apply for a school place via the normal admissions procedure as a backup because you won’t have a finalised EHCP by the normal admissions deadline.

Fadedlaurels during an EHCNA, the LA must legally seek information and advice from:
a) the child’s parent or the young person;
b) educational advice (usually from the head teacher or principal);
c) medical advice and information from a health care professional;
d) psychological advice and information from an educational psychologist;
e) advice and information in relation to social care;
f) advice and information from any other person the local authority thinks appropriate;
g) where the child or young person is in or beyond year 9, advice and information in relation to provision to assist the child or young person in preparation for adulthood and independent living; and
h) advice and information from any person the child’s parent or young person reasonably requests that the local authority seek advice from.
H can include SALT, OT etc.

Yes Lorna Woolley, she's a SEND consultant. Good reputation and I used her myself recently.