Maximising SEND Funding & Securing EHCPs: Practical strategies for school leaders
How to strengthen applications, reduce delays and unlock better funding and support for pupils
Seminar Brief
The SEND crisis is escalating. With over 1.7 million children now identified as having SEND needs, schools and trusts are under growing pressure — facing rising demand, complex funding systems and increasing emotional and administrative strain.
In this high-impact session, Dr Tia Sohi, Sector Led Improvement Partner and ex-SENCO, draws on frontline experience to help school leaders take control of their SEND funding strategy. You’ll explore how to build stronger EHCP applications, what funding panels are really looking for, and how to reduce delays and bottlenecks that slow down support, and learn how tools such as PAGS can support more efficient, consistent evidence gathering – helping you secure the funding your pupils need while protecting staff capacity.
IN THIS SEMINAR, WE WILL EXPLORE
The types of SEND funding available and how to access them
Practical ways to improve your EHCP and high-needs funding success rate
Common bottlenecks in SEND systems – and how to fix them
How high-quality evidence strengthens both provision mapping and funding bids
How tools like PAGS can support consistent, data-rich applications
Tips for aligning SEND support with your wider finance and staffing strategy
TAKE-HOME POINTS
A clearer understanding of what funding panels look for in EHCP applications
Practical strategies to reduce delays, duplication and workload
Tools and examples to help you streamline referrals and evidence gathering
Confidence to build a more sustainable, joined-up SEND system across your school or trust
THIS SESSION IS FOR
School Business Leaders, SENCOs, and senior operational leaders involved in SEND funding, provision and resource planning
Tia Sohi
About the speaker
Tia is a Senior SEND and Education Consultant with a specialist focus on alternative provision and SEMH. With more than two decades’ experience spanning classroom, leadership and system-level roles, she brings both practical insight and strategic depth to her work.
A qualified teacher, SENCO and former SEND Manager, Tia has worked across a wide range of settings including mainstream, SEN and alternative provision. She has held senior leadership positions in multiple local authorities, including Interim Head of SEND at Slough Children First and Strategic Lead for Statutory SEND Services at Bracknell Forest Council. Most recently, she led on reform and improvement as part of the DfE’s Change Programme for Bedford Borough Council.
Tia now works nationally, supporting schools, MATs and local authorities through consultancy, training and system development — with a focus on realistic, impactful change that puts inclusion at the centre.
She holds an MA in SEN and Inclusion, is trained to Level 3 in Attachment, and is known for her ability to combine empathy with deep expertise to support vulnerable learners and the teams who work with them.