Join STRM – SEND the Right Message, MyOTAS and SAFE Essex for the second in our series of three free online SEND Law Q&A sessions for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in Essex and Southend.

This session focuses on School Attendance, Section 19, Alternative Provision & EOTAS.

What happens when your child can’t attend school because their needs aren’t being met? Are you worried about fines or prosecution, or unsure what the school or local authority should be doing?

They’ll be joined by solicitor Tom Emmett, Partner and Head of Schools, Colleges and Universities at Geldards LLP, who will provide practical information to help you understand your rights, what the law says and the options available to you.

The session will explore questions including:

• What are the school and local authority’s responsibilities when my child cannot attend because their needs aren’t being met?
• Can I be fined or prosecuted when my child’s SEND is affecting their ability to attend?
• What is the local authority’s duty under Section 19, and how is this different from EOTAS?

General information and signposting only. This session cannot provide individual legal advice or casework.