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 …
By: An ADHD Mum For the last year, parents have been asked to participate in Department for Education SEND faux “conversations“, unsatisfactory webinars, and numerous impenetrable consultations that only the …
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 …
The DfE published a Child Rights Impact Assessment on the same day as its Schools White Paper and SEND proposals. It’s something we should have examined earlier, but there is …
As parent carers are all too aware, their relationship with SEND case officers can range from positive and constructive to adversarial and a complete breakdown. A recent research article by …
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” …
You may be feeling like the Department for Education has beaten you into submission this year with confusing consultation after consultation, claiming to be “listening” while analysing your responses with …
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 …
It’s not only parents who are concerned about the SEND proposals for Education Otherwise Than At/In School (EOTAS/EOTIS). Unison, the major union that supports public service sector staff, has already …
Register for our SEND Rights & EOTAS webinar here There’s an odd feeling about this summer as a SEND parent. A feeling that’ll never end. That’s partly down to the …
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 ChristinaWelsh. Senior Polict Officer, Natspec There’s a growing focus on what inclusion is and, very recently, on education and career options for young people. But there is still a …
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 Suja Vairavanathan, Founder & Director, Natchathiram CIC One of the things we’re passionate about at SNJ is helping families across all communities understand and access their and their child’s …
