Special Educational Needs and the Law explains, in a clear and practical style, every aspect of the law and practice relating to special educational needs provision.

The new edition of this popular title has been extensively revised and expanded to include detailed coverage of the new regime including new chapters on disability discrimination following the extension of the Tribunal's jurisdiction, the codes of practice underpinning it and all relevant case-law. In addition there is expanded coverage to include the systems now in operation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Special Educational Needs and the Law provides all this information in one handy volume, together with useful appendices including tribunal statistics. It is essential reading for anyone involved in, or advising on, the education of children with special educational needs.

Simon Oliver, Barrister, Guildford Chambers; Part-time Chairman of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
With Paula Clements, Barrister, Guildford Chambers

Tribunal Structure and Legal Framework

• The system in England
• The system in Wales
• The system in Scotland
• The system in Northern Ireland
• National strategies and policies in England 

Codes of Practice

• Principles and policies
• Identification, assessment and provision of special educational needs
• Statutory assessment of special educational needs
• Statement of special educational needs
• The Scottish Code of Practice 

Disability Discrimination Act - Structure and Legal System

• The disability discrimination framework
• Disability Discrimination Act duties 

Rights of Appeal

• Rights of appeal: special educational needs
• Pre-hearing procedures
• Hearing procedure
• Appeals from decisions of the Tribunal
• Financial matters
• Matters outside the scope of the Tribunal 

Appendices

• Tribunal offices, addresses and contact details
• Special educational needs statistical information
• DDA claims
• Scottish/English glossary
• Time limits for making assessments and statements
• Timetable from appeal/claim to Tribunal decision
• Notice of Appeal Form checklist
• Ombudsman and other addresses and contacts

"sets out clearly the rights and obligations of schools, local authorities, children and parents"
Times Educational Supplement

"an informative book ... a useful source of information when looking for advice to give to parents"
SNIP

"structure provides an element of clarity and accessibility in a potentially confusing area of overlapping legislative provision ... comprehensive coverage ... the text's strength lies in explanation of the law and its practical application ... clear and easy to follow ... it has no real competitor ... clear, accessible structure and straightforward style ... a practical text ... both accessible and clear"
The Law Teacher, 2007 Vol 41 No 3