SEN UNPLUGGED

If you are interested in increasing your knowledge of the SEN system then SEN UNPLUGGED is for you! We have produced a series of informal videos providing guidance on key areas of the SEN system.

Welcome to SEN Unplugged, our series exploring the SEN system for parents and carers.

In each episode we provide an overview of the legislation and principles which apply to the relevant area of SEN law. Our videos are designed to be informal and user friendly. Please feel free to download and share our videos and remember to subscribe to our YOU TUBE channel – @sen4you714, where you can download all our newly released content.

Our videos do not constitute legal advice and are for information purposes only. If you should require specific advice on an individual matter, please contact us directly to discuss your case.

Episode 1: An Introduction to the Children and Families Act 2014

In the first of our SEN video’s, Solicitor Advocate Mark Small discusses the key aspects of the Children and Families Act 2014. including:

  • An overview of the legislation.
  • The role of the local authority and statutory agencies.
  • The local offer.
  • Personal budgets.
  • SEN support in educational settings.
  • EHC Needs Assessments.
  • EHC Plans.
  • Admissions.

Episode 2: Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment

In this episode Solicitor-Advocate, Mark Small explores the law around EHC Needs Assessments. Mark explores a range of issues in the episode, in particular:

  • What is an EHC Needs Assessment.
  • When to seek an EHC Needs Assessment.
  • How to request an EHC Needs Assessment.
  • The relevant law which applies.
  • What to expect from the EHC Needs Assessment process.
  • Challenging a refusal to carry out an EHC Needs Assessment.

Episode 3: Writing a request for an EHC Needs Assessment

In this episode, Solicitor-Advocate, Mark Small drafts an exemplar EHC Needs Assessment request and provides guidance on the things that should be included when writing a request to your local authority.

Episode 4: Writing an Education, Health and Care Plan

In this episode, Solicitor-Advocate, Mark Small looks in detail at Education, Health and Care Plans. Mark explores a number of issues relating to the awarding and preparation of an EHC Plan and considers a number of areas including:

  • What is an EHC Plan.
  • When is an EHC Plan issued.
  • The timescales for issuing an EHC Plan.
  • The contents of an EHC Plan.
  • Specificity and quantification of needs and provision.
  • Challenging EHC Plans where you disagree with the contents.

Episode 5: Admissions Process for Children with EHC Plans

In this episode, Solicitor-Advocate Mark Small looks at the admissions process for children and young people with EHC Plans. This is a contentious area where increasing numbers of parents and carers are being denied their school of preference. Mark covers the following areas of this complex area of the SEN system:

  • The mainstream school presumption.
  • The right to express a preference for a school or educational setting (S 38 to s 40 of the Children and Families Act 2014).
  • The right to make representations for non-approved schools (s 9 Education Act 1996).
  • What to do where the preference is refused by the local authority.

Episode 6: Post 19 Education for Young People with Education, Health and Care Plans

In our latest episode, Solicitor-Advocate Mark Small explores the right to continuing education for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. Mark looks at the specific situation of young people aged 19+ and explores their entitlement to continuing education. This episode includes:

  • A summary of the law.
  • What is “education”.
  • The powers of a local authority to cease an EHC Plan.
  • What factors will be taken into account.
  • The right of appeal against cessation decisions.