Latest News:Latest News - June 2011
Only weeks to go on SEN consultation
Local authorities have been accused of having a conflict of interest in the assessment process and provision of services for children with specific educational needs. 30 June will mark the end of a four month consultation on the Government’s Green Paper Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs (SEN) which has sought to address the issue.
Families with disabled children have repeatedly called for greater transparency, scrutiny and accountability from local authorities which, some believe, have a vested interest in playing down the needs of disabled children. In a bid to address such concerns the Department for Education has launched a Green Paper which it says sets out “wide ranging proposals to improve outcomes for children and young people who are disabled or have SEN, minimise the adversarial nature of the system for families and maximise value for money.”
Amongst a range of suggestions and recommendations, the paper has called on charities to play a part in the assessment process – a concept which has been met with resistance from some voluntary organisations. The notion that the assessment process could become more efficient and transparent is in itself positive. However, although charities are keen to provide families with information and support, their ability to do so with absolute independence is paramount in gaining the trust and confidence of families.
MG Law is working with major charities in putting forward workable and sensible proposals to protect the needs of children.
Find out more details on the consultation and our views on the Green Paper here.
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© Maxwell Gillott 2008
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