This face to face event event aims to bring attention and to create a powerful focus on the future of SEND policy, practice and provision. The event perspective will take strong and particular interest in the challenges in the current system and the opportunities that an effective perspective can bring.
We hope that, as a result, those working in the system will have a better understanding not just of what the law says about support for children and young people with SEND but why it matters – and why legal rights to special educational provision that meets individual needs must be protected and not reduced.
Within the event, our speakers and participants will explore frontline practice issues and discuss the aspiration to create excellence and support, in the interest of individual achievement outcomes and children’s well being.
About the session
This presentation offers a clear, practical overview of the current Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislative landscape, with a focus on how the law can be used proactively to improve outcomes for children and young people. Rather than providing an exhaustive legal analysis, the session maps the key statutory duties, processes, and rights that shape SEND support—highlighting what they mean in real-world practice for schools, local authorities, health partners, and families.
The talk begins by demystifying the structure of SEND legislation, including how different laws, codes, and policies fit together. From there, it explores the pivotal mechanisms, such as identification of need, the graduated approach, and Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans, and explains the responsibilities of professionals at each stage. Throughout, the emphasis is on clarity: what must happen, who must do it, and what children, young people, and families are entitled to expect.
Importantly, the presentation reframes legislation not as a barrier but as a framework for effective collaborative practice. Using examples from front-line contexts, it illustrates how legal duties can support decision-making, strengthen multi-agency working, and empower professionals to advocate confidently. It also highlights common challenges and misconceptions, and offers practical insights into navigating pressures, resolving disputes, and keeping the child or young person at the centre of the process.
Participants will leave with a sharper understanding of the SEND system, increased confidence in applying the law, and a renewed sense of how legislation can genuinely work in the best interests of those we support.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the core structure of SEND legislation and how key Acts, regulations, and the SEND Code of Practice fit together.
- Identify the statutory duties placed on education, health, and local authority professionals and what these mean in day-to-day practice.
- Explain the processes of identifying needs, applying the graduated approach, and developing EHC plans, including what must happen at each stage.
- Recognise the rights and entitlements of children, young people, and families, and how these can guide decision-making and good practice.
- Apply SEND legislation to real front-line scenarios to strengthen professional confidence and multi-agency collaboration.
- Spot common challenges, misconceptions, and pressure points within the SEND system and understand lawful, practical ways to address them.
- Use legislation as a constructive tool to improve outcomes, advocate effectively, and keep the child or young person at the centre of support.
About the speakers
Nick Taynton has a wealth of expertise in the SEND statutory framework and legislative application. He champions a Rights Based Approach that places children & young people at the heart of identification, assessment and provision of their needs. He has been instrumental in leading on the collaboration for undergraduate & postgraduate students in the field of Teaching and Social Work. This enabled the development of a Student Practice Learning Hub of excellence in frontline practice. Nick is highly respected in his field both in the area of Special Educational Needs & Disability as well as his previous work in Welfare Rights & Anti Poverty.
Carl Longmore is the Programme Leader for the BA Hons Primary Education Initial Teaching Education course at the University of Wolverhampton, and also oversee SEND provision and training for our pre-service teachers. I am a passionate advocate for creating greater awareness/passion amongst teachers and professionals in creatively and quickly removing barriers for pupils with SEND, in some cases, less talk, more doing.