Parental opposition to SEN provision

If parents are opposed to SEN provision for their child, take a look at this article for guidance on how to address their concerns.

Last reviewed on 10 June 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 11285
Contents
  1. You must keep parents informed
  2. Hold meetings with concerned parents
  3. Opposition to EHC needs assessments
  4. Opposition to placement on your SEND register
  5. Refer continuous opposition to your LA

You must keep parents informed

Where it is decided that a pupil does have special educational needs (SEN), the pupil's parents must be formally informed that special educational provision is being made.

That's set out in paragraph 6.43 of the statutory SEND Code of Practice.

Hold meetings with concerned parents

If parents or carers don't want to accept that their child has SEN, organise a meeting to discuss how you can best support the child's learning.

If the parents have a good relationship with the pupil’s class teacher or teaching assistant, invite them to the meeting to share their observations.

Use evidence

Bring examples to the meeting that demonstrate the gaps in the pupil's learning, or lack of progress. Organise the evidence chronologically to show progression.

What to