Ministerial letter from DfE announcing the extension of the national trial

In April 2018, the Department for Education began a national trial to extend the powers of the SEND Tribunal to hear appeals, and make non-binding decisions about, health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care plans. The trial was due to end on 31 August 2020. However, given the understandable pressures local areas and families are under as a result of coronavirus, the Government believes it is not the right time to introduce any changes to this policy. They have therefore decided to extend the trial until 31 August 2021 and have today written to Directors of Children’s Services to inform them and provide further details.

A copy of the Ministerial letter from Minister Ford, Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Children and Families is available below.