GLD Vacancies

SPOTLIGHT

A zero sum game?

The number of SEND tribunal cases is rising and the proportion of appeals ‘lost’ by local authorities is at a record high. Lottie Winson talks to education lawyers to understand the reasons why, and sets out the results of Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive survey.

County council to appoint provider to £480k SEN legal advice contract

Cambridgeshire County Council is looking to appoint a legal services provider to a £480k contract to deliver Special Educational Needs (SEN) legal advice.

The council said there were approximately 3,300 Cambridgeshire children and young people with a Statement of Special Educational Needs / Education, Health and Care Plans.

It said: “The authority has received up to 90 appeals per year. The number of appeals have consistently increased over the past 5 years. All cases [75] reach stage 1, approximately 50% proceed to stage 2 [38], and 25% proceed to stage 3 [10].

“The council is seeking to block purchase 75 cases with option to spot purchase cases over the 75 block funded. The council is seeking specialist Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) legal advice assistance, and training to support and represent the local authority in all aspects of Special Educational Needs Tribunals. The council requires a bespoke response to its SEN legal needs.”

The contract will start on 1 November 2016 and is for two years, with an option to extend for two further periods of one year.