Birkett Long and bibic to host online SEND law and EHCP sessions

Birkett Long has partnered with bibic, a national charity dedicated to supporting children and young adults with developmental and neurological challenges. Together, they are offering a series of free online sessions aimed at helping families and professionals better understand SEND law, the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process and EHCPs.

Practical Support for Navigating EHCPs

This collaboration brings together the legal expertise of Birkett Long and bibic’s hands-on experience in providing therapeutic support. These sessions are designed to provide participants with clear, practical guidance on key aspects of annual reviews and the EHC Needs Assessment process, (from requesting EHC needs assessments to appealing the contents of an EHCP). The aim is to empower attendees with the knowledge they need to advocate for individuals with special educational needs effectively.

Session Dates and Structure

The sessions, which will run from 1pm to 2pm, are scheduled as follows:

• 24 September 2024: Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment and Handling Refusal to Assess Appeals
• 22 October 2024: Understanding the EHC Needs Assessment Process and Refusal to Issue an EHCP Appeals
• 28 November 2024: Drafting and the finalising of an EHCP
• 21 January 2025: Challenging the Content of the Final EHCP, including educational placement
• 27 February 2025: Navigating the Annual Review Process

Each session will follow this structure:

• 1pm - 1.30pm: Presentation by Birkett Long covering legal aspects.
• 1.30pm - 1.40pm: Insights from bibic on practical support strategies.
• 1.40pm - 2pm: Q&A session for participants.

Meet the Hosts

The sessions will be led by Thomas Emmett, Head of Education at Birkett Long, and Claire Williams, a senior therapist and safeguarding lead at bibic. Thomas will guide attendees through the legal complexities, while Claire will share practical advice drawn from bibic’s work with individuals facing developmental and neurological challenges.

Why You Should Attend

These sessions are a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals. Attendees will gain actionable insights into the SEND law system, the EHC needs assessment process, EHCPs, how to deal with SEND tribunal appeals and engaging with the annual review process effectively.

Asked about the collaboration, Thomas Emmett, Head of Education at Birkett Long, said, “The partnership between Birkett Long and bibic highlights our shared, unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals with special educational needs and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.”