Will the Judicial Review Bill torpedo SEND claims or is it damp squib?
With Eduardo Reyes, Features Editor, The Law Society Gazette Judicial review is the process of asking a court to look at the decision of a public body – such as …
Category: Using SEND Law
Cases and information about using SEND law and the Tribunal
How to help our children: 10 top tips from parents for SEND Case Officers
Recently, I wrote an article based on positive things schools/teachers had done to help your child, based on parental contributions on our Facebook group, SNJ, let’s Talk about SEND. I …
SEND judicial review and how LAs spin tales about “litigious” parents
Over the years, we’ve written a lot at SNJ about the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) First Tier Tribunal. We’ve written a lot less about another form of legal …
MPs call on the government to act quickly on home education register
The number of children – including children with SEND – who are home educated by their parents’ choice, has increased steadily over the last five years, and sharply over the …
SNJ in Conversation: SEND law now and EOTAS, Part Two
Today we’re releasing the second part of the really informative episode of SNJ in Conversation with SEND lawyers, Hayley Mason and Nicole Lee. They’re discussing the state of SEND law …
SEND Law right now. And why you mustn’t confuse EOTAS with home education
What’s the difference between Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) and Home Education? If you’re thinking about educating your child yourself then this is a definition you need to know. …
The scandal of the children with complex needs told they’re not welcome back at school
While schools opened to welcome children back last week, we have been hearing disturbing reports who have complex medical needs have been told to stay away. These children need support …
SEND risk assessments and preparing for a return to school (or not)
*August update: EHCPs are now back in full force and all children are expected back in school in September. However, some schools are still using stringent risk assessments and updated …
Shots fired! Secretary of State in legal challenge over SEND Coronavirus changes
The relaxation to the duties on LAs to make the provision in EHCPs has left disabled children without the legal protection to ensure an adequate education. But a parent has taken the steps to challenge this.
Coronavirus: Disabled children’s education rights must be restored now, before any formal return to school
This week Boris Johnston announced that schools may start reopening to certain year groups again from June 1st. Around 80% of schools have remained open to “vulnerable” groups (disabled children with …
Coronavirus: EHCP laws temporarily “relaxed” as LAs told to just do their best
and SEN Lawyer, Hayley Mason, SNJ Legal Columnist The Government yesterday announced temporary amendments to the SEND regulations around legal duties and timescales for Education, Health and Care Plans. They …
Why the Coronavirus lockdown adjustment for people with disabilities and mental health conditions was the right thing to do
and Alice Irving, barrister, research assistant to Steve Broach. The current public health crisis has affected us all. But for disabled people and those with mental health conditions, or those …
Could remote hearings be the new normal at the SEND Tribunal?
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 …
Coronavirus and SEND law: Part 4 What does my child’s EHCP still provide?
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 …
Coronavirus and SEND law: Your Questions Answered (part two – Timescales)
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, …
Coronavirus and SEND law: Your questions answered (part one – Tribunals)
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 …
The right to a suitable education: what the law says
Why do I have to go to school to learn? Many children and young people find school or college inaccessible for a variety of reasons. It can be difficult enough …
Ofsted finds home education is most often not a choice – and off-rolling is a key culprit
More evidence that inclusion isn’t working has come from Ofsted, which has published research to show home education is often a last resort for families, rather than a lifestyle choice, …
A free SEND legal advice clinic to guide you through the jungle
by Frances Ridout, Director of the Legal Advice Centre, Queen Mary University, London When you find yourself at the start – or even stuck in the middle – of trying …
The Government must act on legal ruling against discrimination of disabled children
With Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at National Autistic Society Last year we covered a landmark legal ruling that was supposed to mean thousands of children with disabilities would …