News / SEND
SEND Safety Valve judicial review to begin
A judicial review being brought against Bristol City Council is due to begin on Tuesday.
High court judges will be reviewing Bristol City Council’s choice to enter into the SEND safety valve agreement, with the case against the city council now consolidated with a similar claim against Devon County Council.
Watkins Solicitors is representing families in court, due to be heard at the Bristol Civil Justice Centre in Redcliffe from Tuesday to Thursday.
is needed now More than ever
This significant case challenges both Bristol and Devon’s decision to enter into a safety valve agreement with the government without consulting parents or assessing the long-term implications for children with special educational needs (SEND).
At its core, the Bristol City Council case focuses on the council’s commitment to reducing deficits in school budgets in exchange for £53m in government funding.
Watkins Solicitors argues that this agreement risks creating further barriers to accessing vital SEND support, including Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs).
In November, the court ordered the consolidation of two additional claims from Devon County Council families into this judicial review.
This combined two and a half day hearing will address three challenges, highlighting widespread concerns about the impact of these agreements on SEND provision.
Beverley Watkins, managing partner at Watkins Solicitors, said: “This case is about ensuring that the voices of parents and children with SEND are heard.
“Decisions that impact such critical areas of support must be made transparently and with a full understanding of their consequences.”
This judicial review represents a critical moment for SEND families across the UK, underscoring the importance of transparent decision-making that prioritises the needs of children, ensuring they receive the education and support they are entitled to under the law.
Main photo: Hannah Massoudi
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