SEND CPD course for school leaders: Supporting pupils with SEND
School leaders face significant challenges with SEND provision. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are increasing, tribunal cases are at record levels, and budgets are under pressure.
We see those challenges on a daily basis, advising schools across the country on the legal obligations arising from the Children and Families Act 2014, Equality Act 2010, and SEND Code of Practice. The government’s forthcoming White Paper will also likely introduce substantial reform to the SEND framework, adding transition and change to a system that is already under strain.
We’re here to help. We’ve developed this continuous professional development (CPD) programme based on our extensive experience to equip school leaders and SENDCOs with the knowledge and confidence to understand their legal responsibilities.
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“An excellent training session. I have wanted to access something like this for a long time, even as an experienced Head. The law around SEND is so important so that we can manage the system well.”
What you can expect
You’ll benefit from the very best and up-to-the-minute guidance from our specialist education lawyers, so you’ll be able to make informed decisions on SEND matters, particularly where SEND law intersects with education law, equality law, and human rights obligations.
- Legal training from specialist education lawyers: Learn from lawyers with current tribunal and advisory experience, ensuring you receive practical, up-to-date guidance.
- Prepare for SEND reform: Get advance guidance on anticipated changes from the forthcoming White Paper, enabling you to prepare strategically for new requirements.
- Complete SEND coverage: Cover all essential SEND topics from legal frameworks and EHCPs to tribunal processes, parental engagement, and practical implementation.
- Reduce legal risks: Understand how to meet your legal duties, communicate effectively with parents, and implement robust SEND processes that withstand scrutiny.
Course agenda
The SEND CPD programme is delivered online over six months, consisting of seven two-hour sessions and two one-hour freeform Q&A sessions.
Two hours
- Overview of SEND duties under Children and Families Act 2014.
- SEND Code of Practice requirements.
- Anticipated changes from the White Paper.
- Strategic planning for reform.
Two hours
- Graduated approach and SEND support.
- When to request an EHCNA.
- Working with local authorities.
- Annual reviews and amendments
Two hours
- Reasonable adjustments duty.
- Discrimination claims, including harassment and victimisation.
- Intersection between SEND and disability discrimination.
- Exclusions and SEND.
One hour
- Q&A session to ask questions and discuss issues.
Two hours
- Meeting needs within available resources.
- Delegated SEND budgets and top-up funding.
- Commissioning specialist provision.
- Evidence-based interventions and measuring impact.
Two hours
- Understanding the tribunal process.
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
- Evidence gathering and case preparation.
Two hours
- Effective communication strategies.
- Managing difficult conversations.
- Complaints handling.
- Building trust and partnership.
Two hours
- SEND policies and procedures.
- Staff training and development.
- Real-world case studies and problem-solving.
- Action planning for your school/trust.
One hour
- Final Q&A session
- Recent case law updates
- Reflection and next steps
Cost
Spaces are limited to approximately 40 delegates per cohort with discounts available for groups from the same school or trust joining the same cohort:
- £825 plus VAT per delegate.
- Two delegates at £1,450 plus VAT (saving £200).
- Three delegates at £1,975 plus VAT (saving £300).
- For larger groups, please contact Philip Wood to discuss packages.
Registration form
Key contacts
Philip Wood
Principal Associate
Hayley O'Sullivan
Principal Associate
SEND training: Frequently asked questions
SEND provision across schools faces significant challenges. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), tribunal cases, and parental complaints have increased, while school budgets and SEND resources are under pressure. The government White Paper on SEND reform will likely introduce substantial changes to the framework. Our programme provides advance guidance on anticipated changes, enabling schools to prepare strategically for new requirements.
SENCOs, trust SEND leads, and headteachers. The programme is designed for school leaders who need the knowledge and confidence to understand their legal responsibilities and make informed decisions, particularly where SEND law intersects with education law, equality law, and human rights obligations.
SEND tribunal cases are at record levels, affecting both local authorities and schools from an Equality Act perspective. Our programme helps schools understand how to meet their legal duties, communicate effectively with parents, and implement robust SEND processes that withstand scrutiny. You'll save time and money by getting things right from the outset, avoiding costly tribunal cases, complaints processes, and remedial measures.
Few law firms provide CPD programmes led by specialist education lawyers with current tribunal and advisory experience. Our sessions are developed and led by specialist education lawyers with direct experience of SEND tribunals and day-to-day advisory work, ensuring you receive legally robust, practical guidance.
Yes. We provide advance guidance on anticipated changes to the SEND system, enabling schools to prepare strategically for new requirements. Session 1 specifically covers the SEND Legal Framework and the White Paper, including anticipated changes and strategic planning for reform.
We help ensure consistency in approach across organisations with all leaders and governors working from the same policies and templates. This is particularly important for multi-academy trusts managing SEND provision across multiple settings with varying levels of need.
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