Interesting LGSCO report on LA duty under s.19 EA to provide suitable alternative education for children out of school due to illness / exclusion / otherwise, highlighting good practice as well as common areas of difficulty.

A fantastic event with some really informative and thought-provoking presentations. Many thanks to all involved and to ChildrensLegalCentre for hosting!

My analysis of the recent Upper Tribunal case of DM v Cornwall County Council for LocGov Lawyer - specificity in the context of EOTAS, and the lawfulness of delegating responsibility for drafting a document which will form part of Section F: localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/education-law/…

Following several years of sustained growth and a recent Judicial Appointment in this area of practice, we are now looking to recruit able and focused practitioners to join our Public Law Team, in the areas of CoP, Education & Inquests. spirebarristers.co.uk/cop-team-recru…

We are delighted that Adrian Francis has joined our Public Law Team. He joins us from chambers on the Northern Circuit, where he built an impressive reputation and practice in CoP; Health & Welfare and Inquests. Adrian's full details are now available on our website.

Helpful blog about the FTT's more extensive directions to LAs at the outset of a #SEND appeal. Suggests a more front-loaded process, to include provision of a copy of the LA decision-making panel's reasons for the decision.

Interesting AJC report on improving LA decision-making in the SEND arena, in the context of extremely high success rates for parents / YP on appeal. Some common-sense recommendations including better initial evidence gathering and communication with parents / YP. Worth a read!

Take a look at the new #PublicLaw Newsletter! spirebarristers.co.uk/2023/07/27/pub…

Very much looking forward to speaking on the topical issue of the shortage of special school places at Spire Barristers upcoming public law conference on 21 September - tickets still available!

A bit late to the party... but I'm very pleased and grateful to have been ranked in The Legal 500 as a Leading Junior in COP / Community Care. Thank you to my very kind referees, my wonderful instructing solicitors and of course to all at #teamspire !

New Upper Tribunal decision on the "sophisticated" nature of the test in s.39(4)(b)(i) CFA and the questions to consider when determining whether the CYP's attendance at a school would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others gov.uk/administrative…

Looking forward to catching up with colleagues and meeting prospective pupils at tomorrow's coffee and cake open day!

Really enjoyed attending the #senlawconf yesterday with other members of #teamspire Eleanor Suthern Lauren Gardner some really insightful presentations and discussions on recent legal and policy developments in #SEND. Many thanks to the organisers!

☀ ⛱ 🍸 Summer Party Alert ☀ ⛱ 🍸 Hot on the heels of our #FamilyLaw Conference announcement, we're happy to reveal the details of our annual client #SummerParty. Look out for your exclusive invitation in the post soon!

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663cc37d… New #SEND UT judgment: the LA/tribunal must identify the SEP a CYP continues to require when ceasing to maintain an EHCP under s.45 CFA. Whilst regard must be had under s.45(3) CFA to whether educational outcomes met, this is not a "tick box exercise".

Another just published UT decision: the time for making a costs application in a #SEND tribunal case runs from date of the final FtT decision notice, and NOT from the date of any later decision on an application for permission to appeal. gov.uk/administrative…

Very helpful new #SEND Upper Tribunal decision giving guidance on steps to be taken where there is doubt about a YP's capacity to litigate, and where an alternative person may not be acting in an incapacitous YP's best interests. gov.uk/administrative….

Interesting Upper Tribunal case on the importance of gathering, and having regard to, a child's views, wishes and feelings when determining the appropriateness of a school placement. gov.uk/administrative…

This promises to be a great afternoon, looking forward to delivering what will hopefully be a helpful #SEND talk, and to catching up with colleagues!

Something very exciting, and hopefully very helpful, is coming! Chloe Lee and I have been working away on this project for almost 12 months now - release date coming soon! #childrenlaw #humanrights #mentalcapacity #deprivationofliberty