Meet Leanne – The Person Behind SEND Compass
Hi, I'm Leanne!
A Little About Me
I'm a neurodivergent mum of three amazing children, all with EHCPs, and the person behind SEND Compass.
My journey into SEND advocacy didn't begin with a qualification or a business idea. It began with my own children.
Like many SEND parents, I found myself trying to understand a system I hadn't expected to become so familiar with. There were reports to read, meetings to prepare for, decisions to question and so much information to get my head around — all while being a mum and managing everything that comes with family life.
I know how exhausting it can be when you're trying to do what's right for your child but aren't always sure what your rights are, what should be happening or where to turn next. I also know how much difference it makes when you finally begin to understand the process.
How It All Started
My experiences with my own children led me to learn more about SEND law. I went on to complete IPSEA Advanced Level 3 training, which gave me a much deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding EHC needs assessments, EHCPs and the responsibilities of local authorities.
That knowledge helped me secure the specialist educational provision my own children needed. But it also made me realise something.
So many parents are expected to navigate an incredibly complicated system, often without the time, support or information they need. And not everyone has the capacity to spend hours researching legislation, reading professional reports or trying to work out what a local authority decision actually means.
That's one of the reasons I started SEND Compass.
Why It Matters to Me
For me, SEND advocacy is personal. I understand the worry that comes with not knowing whether your child will receive the support they need. I understand how much time and energy parents can spend writing emails, gathering evidence and trying to get their concerns heard.
I also understand that sometimes you don't need someone to take over. You just need someone to listen, explain things in plain English and help you work out what to do next. That's the kind of support I want SEND Compass to offer.
I don't believe parents should be made to feel that they need a law degree to understand their child's educational rights. And I don't believe asking questions, seeking clarification or challenging a decision should feel so daunting.
I want families to feel comfortable asking questions, including the ones they might worry are silly. Because when you're dealing with something as important as your child's education, there really is no such thing.
More Than Just a Service
One of the things that matters most to me is making SEND information accessible. That's why I share free templates, guidance and resources through my website and SEND Compass Facebook community.
I know that paying for professional support isn't always possible, particularly for families already facing additional financial pressures. If finances are a barrier, you're still welcome to get in touch. I can't always offer reduced-fee support, but I'll do my best to help where I can or point you towards free information and resources.
I'm proud to have turned my own experiences into something that can help other families. I can't promise that every local authority will agree, that every appeal will succeed or that the SEND journey will suddenly become straightforward. But I can offer understanding, practical knowledge and a genuine commitment to helping parents feel more informed and confident.
Because every child deserves the right support, and every parent deserves to understand how to secure it.