Why the next government must make investing in new teachers of the deaf a priority
with Ian Noon of the National Deaf Children’s Society I’ve got two deaf sons. They’re brighter than I am. They’re more focused than I am. They work harder in the …
Category: SEND
SEND Tribunal trial extended – but it needs more than just time to be a success
Plans have been announced to extend the current trial that gives the SEND Tribunal powers to make non-binding directions for appeals against EHCP health and social care decisions as well …
When is a significant injustice to a disabled child, not a significant injustice?
with Claire Ryan Every week the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) publishes the latest set of decisions for complaints its investigated from parents against (some) schools and local …
SEND Inquiry report Part 2: No more reviews, it’s time to ACT
This is the second part in our SEND Inquiry report coverage. See Part one from Matt Keer here It has been a long time coming, but the Education Select Committee’s …
SEND Inquiry Report: Education committee blasts DfE, LAs and Ofsted over multiple SEND failures
Eighteen months ago, the House of Commons Education Select Committee launched a formal inquiry into SEND. The Committee (made up of 11 MPs) published its report today (report links at the …
The DfE wants to stop LAs filling SEND funding gaps
with Gillian Doherty, SEND Action Last week, the High Court found against campaign group, SEND Action in their judicial review into SEND funding against the Government. You can read about …
A setback at the High Court, but parents’ SEND Action goes on
Today on SNJ we want to pay tribute to the SEND Action parent campaigners who took the Government to the High Court in a judicial review over SEND funding. Ultimately, …
Disabled children “increasingly failed” as nearly 9 in 10 EHCP Ombudsman complaints upheld
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, says 87%, or 9 in 10, of complaints about the Education, Health and Care plan process are found in favour of parents, describing …
It’s back! Put your burning questions about SEND to the Department for Education
It’s back! Once again we are giving you the chance to ask the Department for Education the questions you want to know answers for about special educational needs and disability. …
Jenna’s 10, has missed two years of school, and is campaigning for SEND inclusion
I’d like to introduce you today to 10-year-old Jenna, who has anxiety and ADHD and has missed two years of school. She is still waiting for her council to find …
Public Accounts Committee launches SEND Inquiry (yes another one)
Another day, another SEND inquiry. It seems that inquiries into SEND are like buses. None for ages then three come along at once. As soon as MPs were back in …
We won a legal point on unlawful exclusion and cleared my disabled son’s name
Adoptive parents expect their new child may deal with issues such as attachment, after living through prior traumatic circumstances, both pre and post-birth. It’s also not unusual for adopted children …
Are Access Arrangements given unfairly? Three reasons why we need a review of the system
Access Arrangements are a way to level the playing field in exams when someone has a disability or special educational need. Common support mechanisms are extra time or a reader, …
A free SEND legal advice clinic to guide you through the jungle
When you find yourself at the start – or even stuck in the middle – of trying to secure the support your child with special educational needs requires, it can …
I chose mental health over a prestigious Sixth-Form, that refused to recognise my autism
A lesson I recently learned is that sometimes admitting defeat is the best decision you can make. This time last year, I was elated about starting at a state sixth-form …
SEND audited: Is the system affordable? What’s the alternative?
with contributions from Matt Keer, SNJ Columnist Just last week, Matt mentioned the upcoming report from the National Audit Office (NAO). And lo, this week, here it is. As expected, …
SEND Review: A game-changer or playing politics with vulnerable children?
While the biggest political and constitutional crisis that anyone can remember rages all around us, ministers resign, MPs are purged and no-one is quite sure who will be in Government …
What does ‘£700 million for SEND’ actually mean in reality?
4.55pm on a Friday doesn’t normally mean good news for SEND parents. It’s often a time when bad news pitches up in your email inbox from LAs, health teams or …
Will the SEND Inquiry report be drowned in the maelstrom of Brexit? UPDATED
I wrote this post yesterday in the wake of the leak of Government schools funding. This evening, Boris Johnson has made the announcement official – more than was expected for …
Navigating adult mental health services as an autistic young person
I go by the name of Philip Milburn but you are welcome to call me Phil, I’ve spent some of my time interacting with the adult mental health service and …
