SV Law hosted a LASEN Funding Workshop chaired by Satnam Virdi.

The workshop discussed  several key issues surrounding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), focusing on statistics, funding, tribunal processes, and potential solutions to improve the system. 

The attendees discussed SEND Tribunal Statistics and media reporting on SEND throughout the country. Much of the workshop focused on funding constraints that Local Authorities face and how this impact their SEND provision. Attendees shared their views on the differences between maintained and private specialist schools and the increase in Alternative Provision arrangements. Participants also discussed potential causes for the increase in SEND Tribunal cases, including the challenges parents face in obtaining appropriate support for their children. Finally, attendees discussed potential changes in SEND law or the Tribunal processes to address current challenges. Overall, a lack of funding was highlighted as the significant issue.