What We Do
At Advocacy and Mediation Associates Ltd, we are experienced special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) advocates committed to providing professional expert advice and support to families navigating the SEND system.
We offer a cost-effective alternative to SEND solicitors, guiding parents and carers through every stage of the EHCP process.
Our services include:
- preparing and submitting EHCP applications;
- EHCP advice and annual review support; and
- case management and hearing representation for appeals to the SEND First-tier Tribunal.
If you are managing your own appeal to the SEND first-tier Tribunal, we can also provide advice through our Tribunal Advice Service.
Our Approach
We take a personal, hands-on approach to every case. All our work is handled in-house by our experienced team. When taking on appeals to the SEND First-tier tribunal, we provide a full beginning-to-end service from lodging the appeal to hearing representation, ensuring consistency and continuity throughout the process.
We take the time to understand each child’s individual needs and offer clear, honest guidance tailored to your family’s situation. We work collaboratively with local authorities to reach agreement without the need for an appeal to the SEND tribunal wherever possible.
Our People
AMA Ltd was founded by Vickie Kottler and Michaela Eggleston.
Both are experienced SEND advocates and are supported by Helen Rew (PA).
Michaela Eggleston
I have in-depth experience and knowledge of the SEND legal framework to guide and support parents and young people throughout every stage of the SEND process, from the initial step of the EHC needs assessment to challenging decisions via formal mediation or the SEND First Tier Tribunal.
I originally trained as a Forensic Scientist for the Home Office, where I spent a decade serving as an expert witness in criminal courts. Following my personal journey as a parent of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), I transitioned into SEND advocacy to help other families navigate the often complex and challenging SEND system.
I trained as a volunteer to provide SEND advice for two well-known charitable organisations.
I also successfully established and managed a SEND advice service within a charitable organisation for several years, where I provided guidance and advice on a wide range of issues affecting children and young people with SEND. In 2023, I began working with a well-regarded SEND Advocate, where I have since successfully represented numerous families in appeals before the SEND First-tier Tribunal.
I combine my professional expertise with personal insight to provide compassionate and effective support.
I am a member of the Education Law Association (ELAS).
Vickie Kottler
I have extensive experience advising and supporting parents and young people through all stages of the SEND process — from EHC needs assessments to attending annual reviews, reviewing and preparing representations in respect of proposed amendments to draft plans, and negotiating with local authorities to reach agreement on SEND provision and educational placements.
I also have a proven track record of challenging local authority decisions through appeals to the First-tier SEND Tribunal, including complex cases involving high-value residential placements.
I trained and practised as a City solicitor before moving into the field of SEND through voluntary work with a number of charitable organisations. I have worked as a SEND advocate since 2019.
As a SEND advocate, I draw on my legal training, practical experience, and in‑depth knowledge of the SEND legal framework to provide clear, empathetic, and tailored support to families.
I remain on the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s roll as a non‑practising solicitor, and I am a member of both the Law Society and the Education Law Association (ELAS).
Helen Rew
I qualified with a degree in Psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University. I have worked in a supporting role as an administrator/PA for over 30 years.
I joined AMA Ltd with over 12 years’ experience of working as a PA with a well-known SEND Advocate. I have gained so much knowledge in this time , having previously not worked in this field. I find it incredibly rewarding to be helping to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
I draw on my key strengths of organisation skills and attention to detail to provide a high level of administrative support. My role involves liaising with parents, local authorities, the SEND Tribunal, schools and independent professionals in relation to EHCP applications, annual reviews, draft EHC plans, mediation meetings and appeals.
My key responsibilities are arranging meetings/calls, requesting and collating the required paperwork, proof reading and formatting documents, keeping up to date records and deadlines of all current work and work in progress and submitting completed work by the deadline.