In this blog, you will learn:
- About the roles and responsibilities of a SEND Tribunal Lead.
How SEND Tribunal Leads represent local authorities.
How to find and apply for the best local authority SEND jobs.
Since 2007, Abi has worked for various different local authorities safeguarding and looking after the welfare of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In her career so far, Abi has worked as a SEND Practice Supervisor, SEND Caseworker and a SEND Officer.
Abi is currently working as a SEND Tribunal Lead for a local authority. She manages cases and disagreements in the SEND tribunal which reviews appeals from parents and young people against the decisions made by local authorities relating to SEND and children’s Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP).
Throughout this interview, you’ll discover the role of a SEND Tribunal Lead and Abi’s best career advice for those considering a career in SEND provision.
Tell me about your career journey so far
I started life in SEND working in both open and secure residential settings for children with emotional based difficulties. This was a career that was both rewarding and challenging. From there I took the decision to further my knowledge and education by completing a masters degree in children and youth work. I discovered I had a passion for working with children who have SEND needs and are involved in risk taking behaviour.
A relocation led me to start working within a local authority SEND team as a SEND Caseworker when the reforms took place in 2014. This was a challenging but exciting time to become involved in SEND as we were all learning to navigate this process together.
Over the last ten years, the SEND world has allowed me to develop my practice in all areas of the EHCP process. This has given me the skills and the experience to work in different positions at a more senior level. Most recently this includes a solely tribunal based role.
What does your job as a SEND Tribunal Lead involve?
My current role as a SEND Tribunal Lead involves all aspects of the tribunal process. It is my responsibility to work with the family to resolve the issues relating to children’s EHC plans. In cases where no resolution can be reached I am a representative of the local authority during the hearing process.
I was drawn to this area of work as I felt it would allow me to continue to learn. The world of SEND is ever changing and the tribunal side of SEND sees that often.
What skills are required to work as a SEND Tribunal Lead?
The skills I use in the role centre around knowledge and law relating to SEN. One of my biggest tools is communication both internally, with the children and families we work with and external professionals.
The role involves working with professionals across education, health and social care both within the private and state environment, including Educational Psychologists, SENCOs, EHCP Writers and more.
There's an increase in working with private specialists which can include therapists, psychologists and medical professionals, which forces local authorities to work with state versions of these provisions.
What is the most rewarding part about working as a SEND Tribunal Lead?
The most rewarding area of my job is when a resolution can be reached that secures the most appropriate provision for a child. I am motivated by solutions and feel a sense of pride when I achieve these.
How have things changed or progressed in the industry since the beginning of your career?
I think like everyone who works within SEND, I have seen a huge increase in the requirement for support above and beyond what is readily available. The industry as a whole is facing some of its most challenging times, which I feel needs to be looked at from its very core and outwards.
I don’t think it would be a fair description to say I have the biggest learning curve, I think that everyday is a learning curve and our practice is constantly adapting.
What challenges or obstacles have you faced working in the SEND sector?
There are a number of challenges you face when working in SEND. I think it would be hard to say one particular obstacle stands out, as different challenges present themselves on a daily basis.
The challenges can vary from a lack of resources, support and provision, to poor communication and understanding. Each case is individual and as such faces its own challenges.
Can you share any memorable success stories or moments from your career in the SEND industry that stand out?
I feel that the success stories within my career centre around reaching a resolution, there has been a number of times in which this is something I’ve been able to assist with.
When resolving a case I feel a sense of job satisfaction and pride. The SEND sector is a difficult area to deal with and if I can effectively resolve the situation, I feel this is a job well done.
What do you feel can be done to support pupils with SEND? Are there any gaps in the industry that need to be fulfilled?
I don’t feel this is necessarily a gap but I feel the early identification of need is key. I feel this is an area that has become everyone’s focus but I feel this is the key to understanding the best form of support at the right time in a child’s life.
What advice would you give to someone new to the industry or considering a career as a SEND Tribunal Lead?
The advice I would give to anyone in SEND is to remember every day is a learning day and that even in your most difficult days, if you are making informed decisions that are evidence based you cannot go far or wrong.
What are your plans for the future? What do you hope to contribute to the SEND field?
My plans for the future are to continue in the world of SEN, within what capacity that is the unknown currently. I hope that during my SEND career I am able to contribute in a positive way in a difficult and challenging environment.
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