Maria McMaster ~ EHCP & Placement Funding Advisor

My role is primarily an advisory one. I work with potential students and their parents to help them navigate their way through the often complex and lengthy process of trying to secure Local Authority funding to attend RNC.

I give information, advice and guidance around SEN law, and the associated statutory duties all Local Authorities must follow with respect to that law and its Regulations. 

I work with prospective students and their parents to help them identify and gather the best and most relevant evidence that will support them in their efforts and in their communications with their Local Authority. I also help them to have effective communications with their Local Authority Officers.

I offer guidance and support to those just starting out on their path to get a local authority educational needs assessment; to those securing an educational plan; and to those who already have an educational plan.

Although I work more closely with English students and the English funding system, I can still offer some degree of advice and guidance to students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

I have a background in advocacy in both Health and in Education. I have worked in SEN advocacy and advice since 2014 and have worked within the field of visual impairment since joining RNC in 2019.