By Gosia Kwiatkowska, Director, Rix Inclusive Research Institute, University of East London For many families, one of the biggest questions after school is whether their young person will still have …
By Jonathan Beebee, Neurodisability Nurse Consultant Despite what many families are told, the SEND Code of Practice 2015 says a diagnosis isn’t needed to get support. It was intended to …
By Jon Paxman, Senior Research Associate at the Relationships Foundation (Cambridge) While the SEND reforms aim for stronger inclusion, most people still do not believe a one‑size‑fits‑all model of full‑time …
By Jacqui Brett, LLB (Law), BSc (OT), PG Cert Prof Dev (OT), PG Cert (SI), MRCOT, HCPC The Government’s new Experts at Hand programme sounds like exactly what families have …
With Central Bedfordshire SEND Action Group As we continue to campaign against the Government’s plans to cut SEND rights, local authorities are waiting impatiently for the day when many of …
By Dr Lucy Robinson, Cardiff University During her tenure as education secretary, Bridget Phillipson was clear that her vision for mainstream inclusion involved children being “able to go to school …
Until recently, I’ll admit, I didn’t know very much about Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS). I knew it wasn’t a lifestyle choice, that EOTAS is not something families “pick” …
This article is a personal thought-piece by Dr Sharon Smith, based on her work for her PhD in inclusion and personal experiences. It is not an official SNJ position and …
Families of disabled children know all too well how easily a request for help can turn into scrutiny, suspicion or even a child protection investigation. It’s a pattern we’ve covered …
Transport is one of those issues that quietly shapes almost every part of disabled children and young people’s lives. Whether a child can get to school, join a club, see …
with Sabiha Aziz The 2014 SEND reforms placed Parent Carer Forums (PCFs) at the heart of local decision-making, with the aim of ensuring families had a genuine voice in shaping …
with The National Portage Association Portage is one of those Early Years interventions that quietly transforms lives, yet far too many families still don’t have access to it. When I …
By Joanna Gibbs, SENsational Tutors Last week, we analysed part two of the Government’s SEND reform proposals that destroy the principle of Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) in an …
By Eva Sheffield, SEND parent Winning the right educational provision should not be the beginning of another battle. Yet for some families whose children receive alternative education out of school, …
“Parents… will not be able to appeal to the Tribunal specifically about whether a child or young person should receive EOTAS arrangements.” EOTAS consultation Children with SEND, who have already …
By Tim Hunter, BSc Physiotherapy, MCSP, HCPC, Ergoadaptive Go (*sponsored) Finding and funding the right mobility equipment can be a maze for families, especially when a child needs a specialist …
with infographics by Tania Tirraoro The Department for Education (DfE) has published its annual statistical summary of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in England for 2026. If you’re new …
By Emma McDonnell Emma McDonnell’s story is going to be familiar to many readers. “We don’t see that here,” or words to that effect, tell you they think you’re the …
by Justina Asafu-Adjaye, Education Consultant and Parent Advocate As the conversation about SEND reform continues, it’s important to keep in mind the children whose needs remain the least visible or …
Last week, the Department for Education (DfE) provided more details on Experts at Hand, one of the most important parts of its changes to the English SEND system. We ran …
