Meet Nikki
Hi, I'm Nikki. I was a qualified teacher that changed career when the needs of my own children with special educational needs required my full attention. Through this journey, I experienced first-hand the challenges families face and the critical importance of effective advocacy. This led me to complete all levels of the IPSEA SEND Law training and formally move into SEND advocacy.
I bring both professional experience and lived understanding to my work, supporting parents and carers to understand their rights, feel confident in the process, and secure appropriate provision for their children.
Support we can offer
Functionability offers flexible support services designed to meet families at every stage of the SEND education journey. Our services are structured to suit a range of needs and budgets, with different levels of support available so you can choose what feels right for you.
For families who feel confident navigating the system, we offer preparation support and clear planning checklists. If more guidance is needed, we can provide more in-depth, hands-on support. Our fully supported service delivers fully bespoke advocacy, including attendance at meetings and reviews with you, to help secure the provision your child is entitled to.
Services
Initial Case Review
When the SEND system feels complex or unclear, our Initial Case Review helps bring focus and direction. We take time to understand your child’s circumstances, review the information you have, and identify what steps are most appropriate next.
This service is designed to help you make informed decisions, whether you are at an early stage or facing challenges partway through the process. You will receive clear guidance, practical recommendations, and a structured plan to support your next actions.
Support doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — this review is about giving you clarity, confidence, and a solid starting point.
EHC Needs Assessment Request
Many families seek support only after an assessment request has been refused, often wishing they had guidance earlier in the process. If preparing an application feels daunting or unclear, we can support you from the outset, helping you understand what is required and how to present your request effectively.
This service is designed to reduce stress, build confidence, and ensure your application is clear, structured, and evidence-led.
Draft EHCP Review
When a draft EHC plan is issued, careful review is essential. This review focuses on checking that your child’s needs are accurately reflected and that the proposed provision is clear, enforceable, and aligned with professional evidence.
We examine whether outcomes are specific and measurable, provision is clearly detailed and quantified, and that recommendations from all contributing professionals have been appropriately included. The aim is to ensure the plan is robust, lawful, and ready to be finalised.
Tribunal Support
Preparing for a SEND Tribunal requires clear thinking, strong evidence, and a solid understanding of the legal framework. This service provides a structured review of your case, identifying key issues, assessing the evidence available, and highlighting any gaps that may need to be addressed.
We support you to organise your documents, understand the focus of the appeal, and approach the process in a clear and informed way. Whether you are at an early stage or preparing for a hearing, this review is designed to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
DLA Form Support
Applying for Disability Living Allowance can feel time-consuming and complex, particularly when you are trying to explain your child’s needs clearly and accurately. Our DLA Form Support service helps you present a full and consistent picture of how your child’s difficulties affect daily life.
We guide you through the form, ensuring responses are detailed, evidence-based, and focused on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone. Support is tailored to your child’s individual circumstances, helping reduce the risk of omissions or unclear wording.
This service is designed to make the process more manageable and to support a clear, well-structured application.