The SEND Navigate Library

Books Written by a Parent
Who Has Lived This

Former Headteacher, SENCo, and father of two children with SEN — Stephen Mallett writes the guides he wished he'd had when his own children were struggling.

Written by a 25-year SEN expert England-specific EHCP guidance Available on Amazon Kindle & Paperback Independent reading or optional consultancy
By Stephen Mallett Former Headteacher 25 Years in Education SEN Parent Founder, SEND Navigate
Not Refusing. Unable. — book cover School-distress guide
School Distress & EBSA

Not Refusing. Unable.

"You are not failing." — The UK parent's manual for school distress, EBSA, and the way through

If your child is struggling to attend school, you are not alone — and you are not failing. This book cuts through the confusion around Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), explains your child's rights under the SEND Code of Practice, and gives you a clear, practical roadmap for getting the right support in place.

Written by a former Headteacher and SENCo who has also navigated this journey as a parent, Not Refusing. Unable. is the honest, jargon-free guide that UK schools and local authorities won't always give you.

What's inside

  • Understanding EBSA vs school refusal
  • Your child's legal rights
  • How to talk to school effectively
  • EHCP applications for EBSA
  • Questions about reintegration and support
  • What to do when school says no
  • Mental health & anxiety support
  • Real parent case examples
Buy on Amazon Read More About This Book

Available as: Kindle Paperback

The Parent's Shield — book cover EHCP guide
EHCP & SEN Rights

The Parent's Shield

The SEN and EHCP guidance every parent needs — "We Protect You"

The EHCP process can feel unfamiliar. The Parent’s Shield introduces applications, reviews and challenges to local-authority decisions in plain English. A book cannot review individual evidence or guarantee a particular result.

Written with the authority of a 25-year SEN professional and the empathy of a parent who has fought the same battles, this book offers practical approaches to understanding the process and preparing questions.

What's inside

  • How the EHCP process really works
  • Requesting & refusing assessments
  • What must be in Section F
  • Annual review strategies
  • Challenging LA decisions
  • SEND Tribunal preparation
  • Working with schools effectively
  • Template letters & scripts
Buy on Amazon Read More About This Book

Available as: Kindle Paperback

Why These Books Are Different

Stephen draws on his experience as a teacher, SENCo and Headteacher, and as a parent of two children with SEN. You can use the books independently and choose whether further support is useful.

🏫

Written by a Former Headteacher

Stephen has run schools. He knows exactly what happens in EHCP meetings, annual reviews, and exclusion panels — and how to use that knowledge as a parent.

⚖️

UK Law, Plain English

Every piece of guidance is grounded in the SEND Code of Practice, the Children and Families Act 2014, and real tribunal outcomes — explained without jargon.

👨‍👧

Written as a SEN Parent

Stephen has two children with SEN. This isn't theory — it's hard-won experience from someone who has navigated the exact system he's writing about.

🎯

Practical, Not Academic

Every chapter ends with clear actions you can take. Template letters, scripts for meetings, and step-by-step processes you can use immediately.

SM

Stephen Mallett

SEN Consultant & Author

Former Headteacher 25 Years in Education Parent of Children with SEN Founder, SEND Navigate CPD-Aligned Trainer

About Stephen Mallett

Stephen Mallett has 25 years of experience in education, including work as a classroom teacher, SENCo and Headteacher.

He is also the father of two children with SEN. That dual perspective — professional expertise combined with lived parental experience — is what makes his books uniquely valuable. He has sat in the meetings you are sitting in. He has fought the battles you are fighting.

Through SEND Navigate, Stephen now offers SEN consultancy directly to families, as well as CPD-aligned training for schools. His books are an optional starting point, not a requirement before an enquiry, a review meeting or a consultation.

Need More Than a Book?

If you need help with an EHCP refusal, school distress or unmet SEN needs, start with a free 30-minute consultation plus a short written next-step summary based on your call. Detailed document reviews and ongoing support are separately agreed paid work; no outcome is guaranteed.

Book a Free Consultation →

You do not need to purchase either book. Read the free-summary scope or see paid services and fees.