Independent Review Panels (IRPs) and SEND Expertise

When a pupil is permanently excluded from school, parents have the right to request an Independent Review Panel (IRP) to challenge the decision. For schools and Local Authorities (LAs), ensuring that IRPs are conducted fairly and in compliance with legal obligations is crucial—especially when a child may have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Abigail Hawkins is an experienced IRP SEND Expert, providing specialist knowledge and professional guidance to Local Authorities and schools throughout the IRP process. With over 30 years of experience in SEND, school leadership, and legal compliance, Abigail ensures that IRPs are handled with accuracy, fairness, and a deep understanding of SEND legislation.

An Independent Review Panel (IRP) is a legal process that allows parents to challenge a school’s decision to permanently exclude their child. IRPs are designed to ensure that the exclusion was lawful, reasonable, and procedurally fair. These panels can not reinstate a student but can:

• Uphold the exclusion – confirming the school’s decision.
• Recommend reconsideration – advising the governing board to review their decision.
• Quash the decision – directing the governing board to reconsider, especially if legal breaches occurred.

IRPs commonly occur when parents feel that:

Given the complexities of SEND law and school obligations, IRPs must be conducted with expertise to ensure compliance with SEND legislation (CAFA), the SEND Code of Practice, and the Equality Act 2010.

Having a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Expert present at an IRP is essential when a child has identified or suspected SEND. The role of an expert includes:

• Providing an independent assessment of whether the school met its obligations to support the child’s (possible) SEND.
• Evaluating the exclusion process for fairness and legal compliance with regards to SEND.
• Clarifying reasonable adjustments that should have been made or mitigating circumstances that should have been considered.
• Ensuring the panel understands the child’s needs appropriately.

Abigail Hawkins is a highly respected SEND expert for IRPs who provides in-depth, impartial, and evidence-based insights to support IRPs. Her expertise benefits Local Authorities, schools, families and review panels by ensuring compliance with SEND law and best practices.

• Abigail’s extensive experience ensures that every IRP she supports is robust, fair, and legally compliant within SEND.

For schools, working with Abigail ensures that SEND provisions are properly evaluated and helps prevent exclusions occurring. Her expertise helps schools strengthen their procedures and avoid unnecessary disputes.