Policy work Schools White Paper: what you need to know Watch our webinar: Schools White Paper – SEND reform proposals, the implications and next steps In this recorded webinar, we explain the Government’s proposals for reforming the SEND system, set out alongside the recent Schools White Paper. Led by our expert legal team, this session provides clear guidance to help you understand what the proposals could mean for children and young people with SEND, and how you can share your views and experiences with the Department for Education. We cover: An overview of the proposed SEND reforms What the proposals could mean for children, young people and their families The possible implications of the proposals on existing legal rights and entitlements of children and young people with SEND How you can respond to the Government’s proposals for reforming the SEND system via the public consultation To enable captions, click the 'cc' button at the bottom of the video screen. A copy of the presentation slides from this webinar can also be downloaded via the button below. Download presentation slides Donate now to drive our work championing and protecting SEND legal rights IPSEA is committed to empowering families to understand their child’s legal rights and what the Government’s Schools White Paper proposals could mean in practice. We know how vital accessible and expert legal information is - which is why this webinar is free for families. However, if you're able to donate today, you'll strengthen IPSEA's policy and campaigning work at a time when defending children's rights is more important than ever. With your support, we'll fight to ensure that any reform strengthens, rather than weakens, children's legal rights and make sure families know what's at stake. Donate £10 to our urgent appeal today Meet the webinar team Madeleine Cassidy, Chief Executive Madeleine joined IPSEA as Chief Executive in November 2024. She is a very experienced charity leader of both small and national charities, having worked in the fields of family services and disability for over 20 years at senior management level. Originating from Dublin, Madeleine's background lies in consumer marketing and social research, and she holds a post-graduate diploma in Marketing and a Masters in Voluntary Sector Management from Bayes Business School, City University of London. Alongside her work with IPSEA, Madeleine has three children, and is a keen swimmer, painter and photographer. Kate Cox, Senior Solicitor As a member of the legal team, Kate provides legal support to volunteers and supervises their helpline and Tribunal Support Service work. She also writes monthly updates for the volunteers, ensuring they are kept up to date with legal and policy changes. She helps maintain IPSEA’s legal resources and briefings, and provides training to parents and carers as well as professionals. Kate also supports the policy team in their work. In her spare time, Kate loves to have her nose in a new book, getting outside and exercising, and playing with her two sons. Catriona Moore, Policy Manager Catriona is responsible for IPSEA’s work in bringing about change by influencing the development of SEND policy nationally. Her background is in public policy and communications, and she has worked for a number of charities and public sector organisations, as well as in Parliament. In the past she has served as an elected councillor in a London borough, a special school governor and a charity trustee. She has personal experience of having a disabled child. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, going to the theatre and being by the sea. Alex Stafford, Senior Solicitor Alex is a solicitor in IPSEA's legal team. She is responsible for delivering training to new volunteers and ongoing training to existing volunteers. She delivers IPSEA's programme of external training to parents, schools, SEN specialists and local authorities. As well as training, Alex also provides legal support to the IPSEA volunteers and monitors and supervises their case work and helpline advice as well as supporting the provision of legal updates. Alex creates legally based written resources and is part of the team undertaking national and local policy work. Alex enjoys running, hiking and attempting yoga. Related information If you would like to understand the Government’s proposals in more detail, you can also read: Schools White Paper: what you need to know Manage Cookie Preferences