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About Us

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Gale Davies

Director

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Before starting a family, I had a successful career in property. When my eldest child was very young, it became clear that he was not meeting expected developmental milestones. Like many parents, I suddenly found myself navigating the SEND system at a time of worry, urgency and uncertainty.

Through advocating for my own child, I learned how complex and overwhelming the system can be, and how crucial early, informed action is for children and families.

Alongside my personal experience, I spent three years working within a local authority in a specialist SEND tribunal role. I oversaw tribunal case communications, supported officers with tribunal paperwork, coordinated tribunal bundles, and observed panel decision-making.

 

I also facilitated Stage 1 and Stage 2 complaints and Ombudsman responses, giving me a strong understanding of how decisions are made at different levels within a local authority.

This inside knowledge reinforced my belief in the power of effective mediation. When communication is clear, evidence is strong and families are genuinely heard, many disputes can be resolved without the emotional and financial toll of tribunal proceedings.

I am a trained SEND advocate, I was a volunteer tribunal officer with a national SEND advocacy charity for 4 years, and was a trustee for over six years with an award-winning children’s charity. I remain committed to ongoing professional development, attending annual SEND and education law conferences to ensure my knowledge stays current for the benefit of the families I support.

I offer tailored support, from a free, 30min empathetic consultation, through to document drafting, case reviews, mediation support and, where necessary, tribunal representation.

If you need informed guidance from someone who understands both the system and the parental journey, I would be very happy to talk.

Our Philosophy

At Little Steps, we believe that parents/carers and young people can be the best possible advocates for their child/young person. Applying for the initial assessment is just the first step in a very long process. Parents/carers/young people will be, on a regular basis, communicating with various multidisciplinary professionals as well as schools and local authorities on an ANNUAL BASIS. 

Learning the process is essential not only to recognise when the situation is not right but what to do in the first instance. This can save you time, money and a lot of stress.

Empowering parents/carers and young people increases the chances of the child/ young person successfully get their needs met long before an appeal needs to be considered. 

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