Overview
This page gives information on Legal Training available to the 15 SW Local Area Partnership as well as links to other useful information related to SEND Law and the Tribunal service.
Legal Training 2026/2027
We are pleased to once again offer free legal training sessions from Bevan Brittan for the academic year 2026/27, following the success of this programme over the past two years. Each Local Area Partnership can apply for up to six places. Please note that this will be a repeat of the training provided in 2025/26 with some minor adjustments.
The training is aimed at:
- members of the LA Statutory SEND teams
- Educational Psychologists
- Designated Social Care Officers (DSCO or equivalent)
- Designated Clinical Officers (DCO or equivalent)
The offer consists of four incremental training sessions and four lunchtime sessions:
Incremental Legal Training
Tuesdays from 14:00 – 16:00 hours (online)
- 20th October 2026 (SEND Legal Fundamentals)
- 15th December 2026 (Dispute resolution in SEND)
- 5th January 2027 (Getting Tribunal ready)
- 23rd February 2027 (Education otherwise)
Lunchtime Legal Sessions
Tuesdays from 12:00 – 13:00 hours (online)
- 20th April 2027 (Parental responsibility, views, wishes & feelings)
- 4th May 2027 (Ceasing to maintain)
- 15h June 2027 (Use of private reports)
- 6th July 2027 (SEN Transport)
You will need to be able to commit to all the training sessions and you must have your manager’s agreement to attend.
Further information on these sessions.
To apply for this legal training offer, please complete this booking link by the 14th September, 2026.
Confirmation of a place and meeting invitations will be sent out week commencing 5th October 2026.
Please note: this training is recommended in addition to the Level 1 – 3 IPSEA training or equivalent and not as a substitute.
Legal Updates & Useful Links
Information regarding Tribunal Updates and Case Law can be found in our Legal Training & Updates Members Area – please see orange tab below.
Useful links:
Children and Families Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Get support | (IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
SEN and disability case law | (IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) guidance on remedies
LGSCO Triennial Review Report (November 2024)
Disability Discrimination in schools: Administrative appeals tribunal decisions
Support SEND kids | Noddy No-nonsense Guide to SEN law