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  • Our policy work
  1. Policy work
  2. Learn about our policy work

Our policy work

Influencing national and local special educational needs and disability (SEND) policy is a central aspect of our work.

The aim of our policy work is to protect children and young people’s rights to special educational provision and support that meets their needs. 

We use information and evidence captured through our training and advice services to challenge unlawful practice. We respond to consultations connected to the law around SEND, as well as assessing and evaluating issues brought to our attention by our volunteers and families. 

Why the law matters for children and young people with SEND

Why the law matters for children and young people with SEND

Understanding what the law says is key to getting the special educational provision a child or young person needs Read more

Published: 28th March, 2023

Updated: 15th August, 2023

Author: Emma Brock

Our national policy priorities

Our national policy priorities

Learn about our main priorities for national SEND policy, along with some of our recent activities in each priority area Read more

Published: 9th May, 2022

Updated: 24th April, 2026

Author: Emma Brock

Our local policy work

Our local policy work

Find out how we're challenging policy at a local level, including some recent examples of successful interventions Read more

Published: 15th March, 2022

Updated: 16th May, 2025

Author: Emma Brock

Our responses to consultations

Our responses to consultations

Find out about consultations and calls for evidence we have responded to Read more

Published: 14th March, 2022

Updated: 6th November, 2023

Author: Emma Brock

Our policy partnerships and alliances

Our policy partnerships and alliances

See how we're working with other organisations to influence national SEND policy and bring about change Read more

Published: 17th February, 2022

Updated: 11th August, 2023

Author: Emma Brock

Stay up to date with our policy work

Stay up to date with our policy work

Sign up here to receive regular updates on our policy work Read more

Published: 16th February, 2022

Updated: 30th January, 2024

Author: Emma Brock

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Latest

  • New report: Breaking barriers

    New report: Breaking barriers

    We have published a new report highlighting persistent inequalities in how children and young people from under-served communities access special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, and how their families access the legal advice they may need to secure that support.

  • Annual reviews during Tribunal contents appeals: Can LAs still issue amended EHC plans?

    Annual reviews during Tribunal contents appeals: Can LAs still issue amended EHC plans?

    With SEND Tribunal waits now reaching 18 months, many families face annual reviews during an ongoing appeal. Here's what families need to know.

  • SEND Tribunal hints and tips (2): 7 October

    SEND Tribunal hints and tips (2): 7 October

    This training is suitable for parents and carers currently going through an appeal against the contents of an EHC plan or an appeal against the school named in a plan

  • Reforming SEND without removing rights

    Reforming SEND without removing rights

    Hear from our Policy Manager, Catriona Moore, about why protecting children’s rights must remain central to decisions about SEND reform

Most read

  • Asking for an EHC needs assessment

    Asking for an EHC needs assessment

  • Template letters

    Template letters

    Download and make changes to our template letters to fit your situation

  • Template letter 1: making a request for an EHC needs assessment

    Template letter 1: making a request for an EHC needs assessment

  • EHC needs assessments

    EHC needs assessments

    An EHC needs assessment is an assessment of a child or young person’s education, health and care needs

  • Advice Line

    Advice Line

    Book an appointment for free and independent next-step legal information, advice and support on any educational issue that is a result of a child or young person’s SEND

  • Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

    Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

  • What happens in an EHC needs assessment

    What happens in an EHC needs assessment

  • The annual review process

    The annual review process

  • Contact us

    Contact us

  • Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    The SEND Tribunal is an independent national tribunal which hears parents’ and young people’s appeals against LA decisions about the special educational needs of children and young people

How you can help IPSEA

How you can help IPSEA

Have you found the information on our website helpful today? If so, please consider donating! At IPSEA, we rely on your donations and fundraising efforts to help keep our vital services running. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 19th March, 2014

Updated: 12th May, 2026

Author:

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IPSEA is registered charity number 327691
Limited company 02198066

Registered office: IPSEA, 2A Stansted Courtyard, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6PU

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