Merseyside Send Support Network

04/09/2026

🌿 Just 10 days to go…

Our next Seeds of Support women’s well-being session is almost here, and this one is all about slowing down, softening and making a little space for yourself. 💚

Join us at the beautiful ACE Place on Sunday 13th September, 2–4pm, where Cath from Chaya yoga will guide us through a deeply restful restorative yoga session.

You’re also welcome to arrive from 1.45pm to settle in with a warm drink, campfire snack and a little mindful time outdoors before we head inside for yoga. 🍂🔥

✨ Fully funded – but places are limited.

And September is only the beginning…

As we move into autumn, we’ll be bringing you even more opportunities to pause, reconnect and care for yourself — including a very special Autumn Equinox Sound Bath coming soon. 🍁✨

Think cosy evenings, seasonal slowing down and an autumn filled with a little more self-care, connection and calm.

👀 Keep your eyes peeled… more sessions will be announced very soon.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

🚨 SEND TRIBUNAL: NEW PILOT FOR SECTION I APPEALS 🚨

A quick update from MSSN for parents who are challenging an EHCP placement.

From 17 August 2026, the SEND Tribunal introduced a One Touch Case Management Pilot for certain new Section I only appeals.

Section I of an EHCP names your child’s school, college or educational setting. If you disagree with the placement the Local Authority has named, you may have a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

⚠️ The pilot is specifically for standalone Section I appeals.

If you are also challenging Section B (needs) or Section F (provision), don’t assume this pilot means you should only appeal Section I. Your individual circumstances and EHCP need to be considered as a whole.

📋 WHAT HAPPENS UNDER THE PILOT?

Rather than receiving a final hearing date immediately, the Tribunal will issue directions and deadlines for both parties.

The case will then be reviewed once the required evidence and bundle have been prepared.

➡️ Appeal registered
➡️ Tribunal directions issued
➡️ Evidence prepared
➡️ Case reviewed
➡️ Hearing/JADR if the case is ready

The current guidance indicates this review may take place around 12–16 weeks after registration.

There are also changes to how SEND7 Requests for Change are dealt with, with these generally being considered after the Case Review unless exceptional circumstances apply.

PHASE TRANSFER? START PREPARING EARLY.

If your child is moving from:
Nursery → Reception
Primary → Secondary
Secondary → Post-16
and you disagree with the placement named, you should ask yourself:

🔹 Is Section B an accurate description of my child’s needs?
🔹 Does Section F clearly specify the provision they require?
🔹 Does the evidence support why my preferred setting is appropriate?
🔹 Is Section I naming the right placement?

Because sometimes the argument isn’t simply “I want this school for my child”.
The needs, provision and evidence within the EHCP can all be important when demonstrating why that placement is necessary.

💜 MSSN SUPPORT

If you’re facing an EHCP Section I placement dispute or considering SEND Tribunal, Merseyside SEND Support Network (MSSN) can support you to understand your EHCP, identify the areas that may need challenging, organise evidence and prepare for the Tribunal process.

You don’t have to navigate the SEND system alone 💜

04/09/2026

The Guardian reports that the proportion of secondary school students in England being removed from class and placed in “internal exclusion” has almost trebled in just three years, according to new data collected and analysed by Arbor.

Many children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are routinely excluded from school, whether through internal exclusion, suspension or permanent exclusion. Too often, the underlying difficulties these children experience are ignored, minimised, mischaracterised or inadequately supported. When children with SEND are excluded, the support provided is often made without meaningful or any differentiation for their special educational needs.

Under the Equality Act 2010, schools have legal duties not to discriminate against disabled pupils. Any form of exclusion of a disabled pupil for reasons related, even in part, to their disability will be unfavourable treatment under the Equality Act 2010, and schools must be able to demonstrate that the treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Children with SEND deserve appropriate support, meaningful education and respect for their legal rights.

For teachers, school leaders and governors who would like to better understand these duties, IPSEA offers a half-day training session on SEN and the Equality Act 2010, focusing on the legal framework and how schools can avoid disability discrimination against pupils. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming training: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/training

Read the full article from the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/sep/03/proportion-of-secondary-school-students-in-england-placed-in-internal-exclusion-almost-triples-in-three-years

04/09/2026

Is your child without a school place?

At the start of a new school year, far too many children with SEND are without a school to attend. This is a worrying situation to be in, so we’ve produced guidance to help families who are in this position.

🔗 Read here: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/children-who-do-not-have-a-school-place

For further support, you can also visit our 'Back to school hub', where we've pulled together lots of useful resources and information to help you as your child starts a new school year.

Visit the hub here: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/listing/category/back-to-school-hub

04/09/2026

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has published its annual review of local government complaints.

In our latest blog, we look at what those figures reveal about the scale of non-compliance with SEND law, and why weakening children and young people’s legal rights would make the problem worse, not better.

Read the full blog: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/send-complaints-are-rising-weakening-childrens-rights-is-not-the-answer

04/09/2026

Families asking for help should get support – not feel like they’re under investigation.
The government is consulting on changes to children’s social care guidance, and there’s still time to have your say.

We want the government to introduce a support-led assessment for disabled children and their families when there are no safeguarding concerns.

If you’re a parent carer, your experience matters. You don’t need to answer every question – and we’ve put together tips and a suggested response to make it quick and easy.

⏰ Deadline: midnight Friday 4 September

04/09/2026

I believe that the Government’s proposed SEND reforms could limit EHCPs, weaken legal rights, replace individual plans with packages, reduce appeals, and remove school choice. In my view, children could be left without the support they need as a result.

04/09/2026

☕️ MSSN COFFEE MORNING – TODAY! ☕️

If you need help, advice or support with SEND, come along to our coffee morning today! 💛

We’ll have two local Kirkby Councillors joining us, who want to hear directly from SEND parents and carers about the issues and challenges you’re experiencing.

Whether you need advice, want to share your experiences, or simply fancy a chat and a cuppa, you’re very welcome. 🫶

✨ Meet other SEND parents & carers
☕️ Have a cuppa and a chat
💬 Share your experiences
🤝 Get support and advice
🏛️ Speak directly with your local councillors

You don’t have to face the SEND system alone. Come along, meet us and let’s support each other. 💛

☕️💜 REMINDER – MSSN SEND COFFEE MORNING THIS FRIDAY! 💜☕️

Just a little reminder that our next MSSN SEND Parent & Carer Coffee Morning is happening THIS FRIDAY – 4th September! 🗓️

📍 N-Compass Knowsley Carers Hub
143 Bewley Drive, Kirkby, Liverpool
⏰ 10am–12pm

Come along, grab a cuppa and have a chat with other SEND parents/carers in a relaxed and welcoming space. 💜

We’ll also have the opportunity to voice some of the challenges and concerns SEND families are facing locally, so if there’s something you feel needs to be heard, this is your chance to come along and have your say with our two guest councillors.🗣️

No judgement, no pressure — just support, conversation and people who understand. 🫶🏼

We hope to see lots of you there! 💜☕️

Merseyside SEND Support Network