Is the SEND system working?
A recent report from the Local Government Ombudsman has highlighted significant concerns with the operation of the SEND system which is resulting in 87% of parental complaints against local authorities on SEND being upheld by the Ombudsman.
A recent report from the Local Government Ombudsman has highlighted significant concerns with the operation of the SEND system which is resulting in 87% of parental complaints against local authorities on SEND being upheld by the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman’s report highlights issues around significant delays in issuing EHCPs, far in excess of the 20 weeks set out in the SEND Code of Practice, poor partnership working across different agencies and poor planning to enable needs to be met. These problems are exacerbated by poor communication with parents. The report suggests that the end result is that vulnerable children (and their families) are left without the support that they need which has consequential impacts on education and development.
It is noted that the number of EHCPs continues to grow with 11% growth over the last year alone and in a situation where funding for SEND still remains an issue despite additional funds being made available by the government.
For schools and local authorities, the level of funding is key to ensure that appropriate provision can be made to support children effectively. However, there is a need for improved partnership working in order that appropriate provision is made when required and greater disadvantage for the pupil and others in the school can be avoided.
Contact
Mark Hickson
Head of Business Development
onlineteaminbox@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)370 270 6000
You may be interested in...
Online Event
Handling parent complaints against staff: Panel discussion
Online Event
Pupillage open evening
Press Release
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Comments from education lawyers
Legal Update
School exclusions case confirms ‘substance over form’ is key
Press Release
Browne Jacobson continues strategic expansion in Wales with new corporate partner
Legal Update
Stark increase in rates of school suspensions and exclusions
Online Event
Embracing AI to improve school governance
Legal Update
Navigating workplace sexual harassment laws during the festive season
Press Release
Comments on the latest SEND tribunal statistics
On-Demand
Managing safeguarding allegations against staff
Guide - PFI expiry
PFI expiry guidance for schools
Opinion
Revolutionising the Workforce: Impact of Get Britain Working White Paper
Legal Update
The power of storytelling (and curiosity)
Online Event
Supporting universities to meet their financial duties
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
Press Release - School leaders survey
Browne Jacobson’s latest School Leaders Survey illustrates need for better SEND guidance as exclusions rise
Press Release
New hires at Browne Jacobson will support schools with data compliance amid enhanced ICO scrutiny
Opinion
Balancing employer flexibility and employee rights
Legal Update - School leaders survey
School Leaders Survey Autumn 2024: The results are in
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts November 2024
On-Demand
Shaping a culture of respect and safety: Preventing sexual harassment in our schools
Legal Update
Funding withdrawn for trusts and academy conversions
Legal Update
Top five takeaways for schools on the Employment Rights Bill
Legal Update
Martyn's Law: A closer look at the UK's new proposed anti-terror measures
Legal Update
New High Court case on exclusion reconsiderations
Legal Update
Building an inclusive workplace: Strategies for attracting and retaining disabled talent
Legal Update
New practical guidance on challenging Ofsted inspections
Legal Update
What will the new RISE Scheme mean for schools and academy trusts?
On-Demand
How schools can grapple with new employment law to thrive in a new era
Legal Update
Five steps to turn the tide on Subject Access Requests
Guide
New guidance for intervention in schools
Legal Update
Silence persists on gender questioning guidance for schools
Online Event
EdCon 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's announcement of tuition fee rises
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected: Higher education Autumn 2024
Legal Update
Supreme Court clarifies public authority liability: Police duty of care in negligence cases
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
Labour’s employment law reforms: Employment Rights Bill unveiled
Legal Update
Expanding the role of school attendance mentors
Legal Update
Working together to support student wellbeing
