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Special Needs Jungle
News, resources & informed opinion about Special Educational Needs, disability, children’s physical and mental health, rare disease.
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    • About Tania
    • About Renata
    • About Sharon
    • About Gill
    • Our Writers
    • About Guest Posts
  • Browse the site
  • SEND Politics
    • SEND Protest
  • SEND Resources
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Author: <span>Hayley Mason-Seager</span>
Home Articles posted by Hayley Mason-Seager

SIGN THE 2026 PETITION TO SAVE SEND LEGAL RIGHTS!

Author: Hayley Mason-Seager

Hayley has a vast range of expertise representing parents in SEND Tribunal work. She has been ranked as a 'Leading Individual' in the Legal 500 for the last number of years, "Hayley Mason-Seager is a force to be reckoned with….She is extremely knowledgeable in her field, a passionate advocate for parents and a skilled negotiator." She is the author of a chapter on Deputyship Orders in the Court of Protection in ‘Special Educational Needs and Legal Entitlement, getting out of the maze 2nd edition’.
Could remote hearings be the new normal at the SEND Tribunal?
Columnists, special needs, Using SEND Law

Could remote hearings be the new normal at the SEND Tribunal?

By Hayley Mason-Seager April 10, 2020 April 8, 2020

SEND legal practitioners attend a periodic Tribunal User Group session – no surprises for guessing the latest was a remote session because of the #CoronavirusLockdown Tribunal hearings are also now …

Read more"Could remote hearings be the new normal at the SEND Tribunal?"
Coronavirus and SEND law: Part 4 What does my child’s EHCP still provide?
Columnists, Coronavirus, Coronavirus and SEND Law, Using SEND Law

Coronavirus and SEND law: Part 4 What does my child’s EHCP still provide?

By Hayley Mason-Seager March 27, 2020 January 11, 2021

This is the last group of The the 200+ questions we received. These answers will be the most important for the next weeks or months ahead. What does your child’s …

Read more"Coronavirus and SEND law: Part 4 What does my child’s EHCP still provide?"
Coronavirus: School, attendance and exclusions. Your legal questions answered, part 3
Columnists, Coronavirus, Coronavirus and SEND Law, special needs

Coronavirus: School, attendance and exclusions. Your legal questions answered, part 3

By Hayley Mason-Seager March 26, 2020 June 17, 2020

You sent over 200 questions in about your legal concerns over how the #CoronavirusLockdown was going to affect your child’s EHCP and education. Yesterday we covered timescales, and the day …

Read more"Coronavirus: School, attendance and exclusions. Your legal questions answered, part 3"
Coronavirus and SEND law: Your Questions Answered (part two – Timescales)
Columnists, Coronavirus, Coronavirus and SEND Law, Using SEND Law

Coronavirus and SEND law: Your Questions Answered (part two – Timescales)

By Hayley Mason-Seager March 25, 2020 June 17, 2020

On Tuesday it was all about how the SEND Tribunal is affected by the Coronavirus outbreak and temporary changes to the law on Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs). Today, …

Read more"Coronavirus and SEND law: Your Questions Answered (part two – Timescales)"
Coronavirus and SEND law:
Your questions answered (part one – Tribunals)
Columnists, Coronavirus, Coronavirus and SEND Law, special needs, Using SEND Law

Coronavirus and SEND law:
Your questions answered (part one – Tribunals)

By Hayley Mason-Seager March 24, 2020 June 17, 2020

I received more than 200 questions in the last week, sent by the wonderful parents reading Special Needs Jungle. Everyone is obviously very worried about what is going to happen …

Read more"Coronavirus and SEND law:
Your questions answered (part one – Tribunals)"
SEND crisis: 6000+ SEND appeals is the ‘new normal’ in a ‘broken system’
Columnists, special needs, Using SEND Law

SEND crisis: 6000+ SEND appeals is the ‘new normal’ in a ‘broken system’

By Hayley Mason-Seager August 7, 2019 December 29, 2019

As many of you will know, the SEND system is in crisis. There are more appeals than ever coming before the Special Educational Needs and Disability First-tier Tribunal (FTT), as …

Read more"SEND crisis: 6000+ SEND appeals is the ‘new normal’ in a ‘broken system’"
Phase Transfer deadline: what to do if your child’s EHCP isn’t finalised on time
Ask IPSEA, Columnists, Education Health and Care Plan

Phase Transfer deadline: what to do if your child’s EHCP isn’t finalised on time

By Hayley Mason-Seager February 12, 2019 February 12, 2026

The transfer deadline day for all settings except post-16, is fast approaching! If your child is transferring between phases of education, then the statutory deadline by when your local authority …

Read more"Phase Transfer deadline: what to do if your child’s EHCP isn’t finalised on time"
Misinformation and misconceptions: Busting some SEND law myths
Columnists, SEND Legislation

Misinformation and misconceptions: Busting some SEND law myths

By Hayley Mason-Seager November 28, 2018 November 25, 2018

As many of you will know, half of the battle of getting support for your disabled child is getting people to listen to you. By people, I mean schools, professionals …

Read more"Misinformation and misconceptions: Busting some SEND law myths"
Ten top tips to get a ‘good’ Education, Health and Care Plan for your child
Columnists, Education Health and Care Plan, special needs

Ten top tips to get a ‘good’ Education, Health and Care Plan for your child

By Hayley Mason-Seager June 18, 2018 June 17, 2018

  Many of you will have seen Nadhim Zahawi MP – the current Children and Families Minister, talking on BBC Breakfast a couple of months ago about how the SEND …

Read more"Ten top tips to get a ‘good’ Education, Health and Care Plan for your child"
The National SEND Tribunal Trial: what does it mean for families?
Columnists, SEND Legislation

The National SEND Tribunal Trial: what does it mean for families?

By Hayley Mason-Seager March 23, 2018 March 23, 2018

The National Trial which extends the powers of the First-tier (SEND) Tribunal to make non-binding recommendations about the health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans …

Read more"The National SEND Tribunal Trial: what does it mean for families?"
Refused an EHC assessment or unhappy with the plan? Read our next steps
Columnists, Education Health and Care Plan, special needs

Refused an EHC assessment or unhappy with the plan? Read our next steps

By Hayley Mason-Seager February 12, 2018 February 27, 2018

“The Local Authority refused to assess my child for an EHC Needs Assessment,” “I have an unacceptable EHC Plan”and “The Local Authority has taken away the provision my son receives” …

Read more"Refused an EHC assessment or unhappy with the plan? Read our next steps"
My child still has a Statement of SEN: What should I do?
Columnists, SEND Education, special needs

My child still has a Statement of SEN: What should I do?

By Hayley Mason-Seager November 17, 2017 March 27, 2018

For all parents of children/young persons who currently have a Statement of Special Educational Needs, your local authority is required to have transferred their Statement to an Education, Health, and …

Read more"My child still has a Statement of SEN: What should I do?"
Deputyship and mental capacity for young people at the SEND Tribunal
Columnists, SEND Legislation, special needs

Deputyship and mental capacity for young people at the SEND Tribunal

By Hayley Mason-Seager September 11, 2017 November 4, 2020

Deputyship- Don’t wait till it’s too late As many of you will know, the Children and Families Act (CFA) 2014 created a new system of support for young persons with …

Read more"Deputyship and mental capacity for young people at the SEND Tribunal"
SNJ is run by volunteer parents. Everything on SNJ is free to use, but if you like what we do, and you want us to keep doing it, a small donation towards running costs would be really appreciated.
  • Beyond EHCPs: Why Inclusion Needs More Than a Document
    By Sharon Smith
    In Co-production, EHCP, Inclusion, Schools White Paper, SEND Education, Sharon Smith, Working with parents
    September 11, 2026
  • The Unacceptable Truth: 20 SEND legal rights at risk from the Government’s SEND reforms
    By Tania Tirraoro
    In EOTAS, Save Our Children's Rights, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs, Tania Tirraoro
    September 9, 2026
  • How health and family support systems are failing children starting school
    By Twinkl SEND
    In Early Years, Parenting, special needs, Twinkl
    September 7, 2026
  • WEBINAR RECORDING! The implications for children’s legal rights to EHCPs and EOTAS of the Government’s SEND proposals
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In EOTAS, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs, Webinars
    September 3, 2026
  • When things go right: Shining a light on SEND Practitioners making a positive impact [Giveaway!]
    By Tristan Middleton
    In About Tristan, Columnists, Exemplary Practice, Reviews, special needs
    August 31, 2026
  • From suspicion to support: why the Government’s child protection reforms matter for disabled children
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In Fabricated or Induced Illness FII, Guest Posts, Parenting, SAFEGUARDING, Social care, special needs
    August 28, 2026
  • Have your say on the future of transport for disabled children and young people
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In accessibility, POST16, SEN Transport, SEND & Health Research
    August 25, 2026
  • Unison voices major concerns over SEND reform health plans for sick and disabled children out of school in the EOTAS consultation
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In EOTAS, Health, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs
    August 24, 2026
  • Top Tips for the EOTAS & EHCP consultation: Protect your child’s rights to statutory SEND support
    By Matt Keer
    In About Matt, EOTAS, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs
    August 19, 2026
  • Navigating constraints: Why a former PCF chair thinks the current model is missing the mark for families
    By Renata Watts
    In Co-production, Guest Posts, parent-carer forums, special needs
    August 12, 2026
  • Dear Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell: an Open Letter from Special Needs Jungle and SEND legal charity SOS!SEN
    By Tania Tirraoro
    In Save Our Children's Rights, Schools White Paper, SEN & Disability Charities, SEND Politics, special needs
    August 4, 2026
  • Research: Disabled young people define inclusive education as “learning in the place that’s right for them”
    By Tania Tirraoro
    In Further Education, Guest Posts, Inclusion, POST16, Schools White Paper
    July 30, 2026
  • Why every child deserves Portage, wherever they’re born
    By Sharon Smith
    In Early Years, Guest Posts, portage, Schools White Paper, SEND Education, SEND Politics, Sharon Smith, special needs
    July 24, 2026
  • Mainstream SEND Funding: A simple explainer, another consultation, and why it really matters
    By Matt Keer
    In About Matt, Schools White Paper, SEND funding, special needs
    July 22, 2026
  • What might the SEND reform proposals mean for specialist tutors, alternative provision and EOTAS?
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In Alternative Provision, EHCP, EOTAS, Guest Posts, Online learning, personal budgets, Schools White Paper, SEND Education, special educational needs, special needs
    July 20, 2026

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Legal FAQs

  • Research: AI, welfare, climate and inequality: What could shape disabled people’s lives in the UK over the next 20 years?
  • The LA responsible for an EHCP does not have to be the same local authority responsible for social care
  • What is the difference between s19 EOTAs and s61 EOTAS in an EHCP?
  • Refused an EHCP for college!
  • Is my ADHD son being discriminated against for his behaviour?
  • Is my ADHD son being discriminated against for his behaviour?
  • How can I ensure my child’s in-school therapy is provided by a professional?
  • Can the LA change the name of the placement in Section I of an EHC Plan?
  • Does the LA have to maintain the provision in the EHCP if parents are home educating?
  • Can you still appeal Section I if your parental choice is named with conditions?
  • What should the school be doing when my child cannot attend school due to their anxiety?
  • If we move abroad, what happens to my child’s EHC Plan?
  • When applying for an EHCNA can we ask the LA to consider our EP report?
  • We have moved from England to Wales where can we get help?
  • Where can I get help with a disability discrimination claim?
  • What can I do if an EHCP has been in the “draft” stage for over 1 year?
  • What type of placement can be named in Section I of the EHC Plan?
  • Can I be forced to send my child to a special school?
  • Can an alternative provision be named in an EHC Plan?
  • How do I request a change of placement?

Resource Listings

  • ACE Education Advice
  • School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007
  • Education (SEN) (England) (Consolidation) Regulations 2001
  • CDC – Developing Key Working
  • Advocacy in Action
  • The Jigsaw Tree
  • FACSA
  • Down’s Heart Group
  • Cerebral Palsy Guide
  • Joseph and his Amazing Spectrum Coat
  • piles of paper in purple with a teacher at a laptop top left and a child readingbottom rightBeyond EHCPs: Why Inclusion Needs More Than a Document
    By Sharon Smith
    In Co-production, EHCP, Inclusion, Schools White Paper, SEND Education, Sharon Smith, Working with parents
    September 11, 2026
  • 20 Rights at RiskThe Unacceptable Truth: 20 SEND legal rights at risk from the Government’s SEND reforms
    By Tania Tirraoro
    In EOTAS, Save Our Children's Rights, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs, Tania Tirraoro
    September 9, 2026
  • EYFS Teacher with childHow health and family support systems are failing children starting school
    By Twinkl SEND
    In Early Years, Parenting, special needs, Twinkl
    September 7, 2026
  • screenshot from webinar recordingWEBINAR RECORDING! The implications for children’s legal rights to EHCPs and EOTAS of the Government’s SEND proposals
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In EOTAS, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs, Webinars
    September 3, 2026
  • image of the book cover shows a Black teacher and disabled studentWhen things go right: Shining a light on SEND Practitioners making a positive impact [Giveaway!]
    By Tristan Middleton
    In About Tristan, Columnists, Exemplary Practice, Reviews, special needs
    August 31, 2026
  • a cut-out family graphic overlaid with a gavelFrom suspicion to support: why the Government’s child protection reforms matter for disabled children
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In Fabricated or Induced Illness FII, Guest Posts, Parenting, SAFEGUARDING, Social care, special needs
    August 28, 2026
  • A DISABLED GIRL IN A WHEELCHAIR BEING STRAPPED INTO A WAVHave your say on the future of transport for disabled children and young people
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In accessibility, POST16, SEN Transport, SEND & Health Research
    August 25, 2026
  • ill child in a red colourisation overlaid with the sentences: "who is responsible for providing it""how will it be put in place?” "how will it be put in place?"Unison voices major concerns over SEND reform health plans for sick and disabled children out of school in the EOTAS consultation
    By Special Needs Jungle
    In EOTAS, Health, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs
    August 24, 2026
  • a light bulb and text saying "top tips" with the post title against a green backgroundTop Tips for the EOTAS & EHCP consultation: Protect your child’s rights to statutory SEND support
    By Matt Keer
    In About Matt, EOTAS, Schools White Paper, SEND Politics, special needs
    August 19, 2026
  • Navigating constraints: Why a former PCF chair thinks the current model is missing the mark for families
    By Renata Watts
    In Co-production, Guest Posts, parent-carer forums, special needs
    August 12, 2026
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