Agenda

Explore the SEN Law Conference sessions and speakers for 2026. 

The leading event for legal and policy updates in SEN law, this conference is designed for legal professionals with prior experience of the SEN law framework who represent individuals, organisations, educational settings or local authorities, including:

  • Solicitors, including apprentices and trainees 

  • Barristers and pupils 

  • Legal executives 

  • Paralegals 

  • IASS advisers  

The conference will be worth five CPD hours. 

Book your tickets

Morning sessions 

In-person arrival and registration (8.45 - 9.30)

Virtual stream starts (9.15)

SEN law and policy update (9.30 - 10.10)

A session looking at current developments in SEN law and policy, including the Government’s plans for SEND reform. 

Speaker: Catriona Moore, Policy Manager, IPSEA

Closing the accountability gap in schools (10.10 - 10.50)

A session looking at how to improve accountability for the support that children with SEND receive in schools, particularly children without an EHC plan.

Speakers: Sharon Chappell, Assistant Ombudsman, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, and Vic Goddard, CEO, Passmores Cooperative Learning Community 

Refreshment break (10:50 - 11:10)

Barriers to SEND provision for under-served communities (11.10 - 11.45)

Speakers: Madeleine Cassidy, Chief Executive, and Alex Stafford, Senior Solicitor, IPSEA 

Case spotlight: GC & GC v Hampshire County Council (11.45 - 12.15)

A case review of GC & GC v Hampshire County Council, exploring from both the local authority and parents, carers, and young person's perspective. 

Speakers: Roisin Swords-Kieley, Matrix Chambers 

Lunch (12:15 - 13:15)

 

Afternoon sessions

Panel discussion: SEND reform - what the White Paper means for children and young people (13.15 - 14.15)

With the White Paper expected in early 2026, this panel will explore the Government’s proposed SEND reforms and their impact on children, young people and their families. Speakers will share insights before opening up to discussion and audience Q&A.

Speakers:

  • Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the House of Commons Education Committee 
  • Alex Stafford, IPSEA
  • Eleanor Wright, SOS SEN

An update on appealing local authority decisions (14.15 - 15.00)

A review of the approach that the SEND Tribunal has taken to its caseload over the past year and looking to the future. 

Speaker: Judge Jane McConnell, Ministry of Justice

Comfort break (15.00 - 15.10)

Case law update (15.10 - 16.00)

A summary of SEN law cases from the past 12 months.

Speaker: David Wolfe KC, Matrix Chambers

In-person refreshments and networking - optional (16.00 - 17.00)

 

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