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Posted on: 02 Apr 2026

Autism Acceptance Week: understanding strengths, challenging assumptions, and supporting autonomy

Autism Acceptance Week 2026 highlights the importance of moving beyond awareness to a more balanced and respectful understanding of autism. Drawing on recent research and legal frameworks, this article explores how recognising individual strengths alongside support needs can improve wellbeing, decision-making and outcomes. It also examines why deficit-based assumptions can lead to poor support in education and legal settings, and why a strengths-based, person-centred approach is essential to promote autonomy, dignity and meaningful inclusion.

Posted on: 16 Mar 2026

SEND reform and unintended consequences: Lessons from the Cobra and Streisand Effects

In this commentary for SEND reform debates, Polly Kerr, Partner and Head of Education and Children’s Rights at Simpson Millar, explores the potential unintended consequences of proposed changes to the SEND system in England. Using the ideas of the Cobra Effect and Streisand Effect, she reflects on how well-intentioned policies can sometimes worsen problems. The article highlights the importance of legal protections, enforceable support, proper resourcing and transparency to ensure reforms genuinely improve outcomes for children with SEND.

Posted on: 05 Feb 2026

EHCP phase transfer deadlines for 2026: what parents and carers need to know

Strict legal deadlines apply when children with an Education, Health and Care Plan move between phases of education. This guide explains the 2026 phase transfer deadlines, what local authorities must do, and why timely decisions are vital for securing the right school and support. It also outlines what parents and carers can do if deadlines are missed, communication breaks down, or decisions do not reflect a child’s needs, including appeals and urgent legal action.

Posted on: 14 May 2025

Client’s Story: Tribunal Orders Local Authority to Assess Young Child’s Special Educational Needs After Unlawful Refusal

After Alex, a young child with complex communication needs, was unlawfully refused an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA), his mother challenged the decision with help from Simpson Millar’s Education Law team.

Posted on: 04 Apr 2025

Education Law Experts Call on Council to Fulfil Legal Obligations to Children with Special Educational Needs

Education Lawyers at Simpson Millar helped a family challenge Durham County Council after their disabled son was left without proper education or support. Despite having an EHCP, the child was denied a suitable placement until legal action was taken. The case highlights systemic failings by local authorities to meet legal obligations, with devastating consequences for vulnerable children. Simpson Millar is calling for change to ensure families don’t have to fight for the education their children are entitled to.

Posted on: 03 Jul 2024

Tribunal Judge Rules on Education Plans for Children with Special Needs

An Upper Tribunal judge ruled that local authorities cannot cease an EHCP based on educational attainment alone. The decision emphasises the necessity of educational provisions for special needs children, impacting future cases.

Posted on: 12 Jul 2023

Children’s rights Lawyers urge politicians to reconsider making ‘care experience’ a protected characteristic

Welsh Government responds to recommendations made by the Children, Young People and Education Committee

Posted on: 21 Mar 2023

SEND Tribunal Appeal Delays in 2023 and 2024 - Why Parents Should Act Quickly

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal appeals happen when you need to challenge a Local Authority’s decision over your child’s Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP). However, we’re currently seeing serious delays in the Tribunal - many hearings are listed for almost a year in the future.

Posted on: 09 Feb 2023

Northern Ireland Nursery Settles in Discrimination Case Over Child with Downs Syndrome

Two parents in Northern Ireland recently took their daughter’s former nursery to court after claiming they discriminated against her. The nursery have admitted that the girl, who has Downs Syndrome, was treated less favourably than other children, and they failed to make reasonable adjustments.

Posted on: 06 Feb 2023

Mum Successfully Challenges Local Authority over Daughter’s School Place in JADR Hearing

We helped a mother gain a placement for her child in her preferred school during a Judicial Alternative Dispute Resolution (JADR) Hearing, in a disagreement over travel costs.

Posted on: 22 Jul 2020

Year 12 Students Asked to Leave because of Exam Results

The reality of the end of Year 12 for all students normally includes a set of internal exams. This helps the school or college to have a better understand of how well pupils have coped with the transition from GCSE to A Level work, and helps inform the process of providing predicted grades to universities.

Posted on: 09 Jul 2020

Exceptional Case Funding for Special Education Tribunal Appeals

Legal Aid for First Tier Tribunal Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) appeals is only available through the telephone gateway. This is known as ‘legal help’ and only covers the preparation of a SEND appeal up until the final hearing.

Posted on: 16 Jun 2020

Lack of Consistency about Educational Support after Covid-19

As we begin to see some schools opening up for some year groups, our Education Law Solicitors have seen growing concerns from parents who want to make sure that their children are getting the support they need. Especially from parents who have children with SEND or EHCPs in place.

Posted on: 08 Aug 2018

Simpson Millar Challenges Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Spending Reduced by £5m

Bristol City Council’s reduced Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) spending by £5m. We represented two families affected brought the legal action amidst ‘significant concerns’ that the council’s decision was unlawful.