Decision making and appeals: getting it right from the beginning: 23rd May

A common problem we see across our services is parent carers needing to appeal to the SEND Tribunal because a decision wasn’t made correctly in the first place. Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice illustrate the depth of the issue, showing that out of 5,600 Tribunal hearings last year, only 3.7% of decisions made by local authorities were upheld.

This one-day training, designed specifically for staff in local authority SEND teams, will support participants to get decisions right from the beginning. We’ll explain each step of the appeals process, starting from lawful decision making and working through the Tribunal timeline in order to help participants reduce the need for an appeal and to ensure that if an appeal does occur, it’s conducted lawfully and efficiently.

Please note, this training is not suitable for parents and carers (please see our upcoming dates for parent/carer training here). 

Delivered by a member of IPSEA’s legal team, this training session will work through a variety of topics to improve participants' understanding of:

• Appealable decisions and legal tests
• The SEND Tribunal
• Mediation – including local authorities’ role and responsibilities
• The appeal timeline
• Tribunal hearings
• Appeals from First Tier Tribunal decisions

By the end of the training, participants will:

• have a sound understanding of their legal duties towards children and young people with SEND and the SEND Tribunal,
• be able to identify lawful decision making along every step of the appeals process,
• feel confident managing challenges appropriately;
• and feel supported to build better relationships with families.

Duration: 6 hours (10.00 - 16.00, including breaks and Q&A)

Format: delivered virtually via Zoom

This training relates to the law as it applies in England.

Interested in combining this training day with our e-learning?

We have a discounted package available for attendees who would also like to purchase our self-paced e-learning courses when booking onto this training day. Whilst the training day is suitable as a stand-alone course, it is designed to complement our e-learning which covers the topics in further detail:

• SEND law online - level 1: an introductory self-paced online course suitable for parents, carers and supporting family members, as well as professionals supporting and advising parents who wish to gain a greater knowledge of the law.

  Download course summary: SEND law online - level 1

• SEND law online - level 2: this course builds on the learning acquired in our level 1 online learning to provide a more in-depth knowledge of certain areas of the law relating to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

  Download course summary: SEND law online - level 2

• SEND law online - level 3: this is an advanced level e-learning course with a particular emphasis on gaining knowledge regarding bringing different types of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

  Download course summary: SEND law online - level 3

Our e-learning usually retails at between £350 and £700 per level depending on your organisation status, but is available to purchase for £199 per level when booked with this training day - or £550 if all three levels are purchased together. If you would like to take advantage of this discounted package, please select the relevant option when booking below.

Invoicing

If you require an invoice for this training day, please complete our invoice request form. 

Please note, this virtual training will only go ahead provided there are sufficient bookings. We will offer an alternative date or refund if this session is cancelled.

Please read our Terms & Conditions and confirm acceptance of these when making your booking.