Janet O'Keefe, Speech and Language Therapist

Clive Yeadon is an independent social welfare and social policy consultant and independent social worker who will lead a seminar at the Towards a Positive Future 2012 Conference on 16th June 2012 on “What does it take to get better children’s social work services?” Clive has been through the ranks in the field of social work. Now as an independent consultant, he is in great demand as a “problem solver” in complex cases. His education law qualifications put him in the somewhat rare position of understanding the inter-relationship of social services and education legislation, and his breadth of experience means that his work as a witness at SEN Tribunals can be very important, especially where parents are seeking a residential school placement. Clive says: “Most families shy away from any engagement with “social services”. There may be good reason for this, but typically parents associate social workers with what used to be called ‘welfare’, and what is now seen as a service which exists to remove children from their families and put them in care. In fact, not only is there a great deal which can be gained from a positive relationship with the local “Children with Disabilities Team”, but contact with the team may be essential if you are looking to have your child attend a specialist residential school. Either way, this discussion will try to deal positively with your concerns, help you be assertive and confident about your rights, and identify why contact with a social worker might be a wise and positive step to take.” Visit the conference page.

There is much uncertainty at the moment amongst parents and the professionals who work with pupils with special educational needs on what the current legal position is regarding the new health, education and care legislation being brought in by the current Government and what the timescales are for the changes. 

We are delighted that Clive Rawlings is one of the four keynote speakers at the Towards a Positive Future conference to be held in Newbury on 16th June 2012 and he will be able to ensure that delegates have the up to date position.

Clive is a UK leading specialist education law counsel, who advocates in the High Court, County Court and Special Education Needs and Disability Tribunal. His previous career as a teacher and education officer for children with special needs, has given him particular insight into the educational provision that is required to support children with special education needs and enable them to access the curriculum.

Clive is also Panel Counsel to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Clive’s talk will include an update of the Green Paper pathfinder site results and the up to date legal position for parents needing to appeal the content of their child’s Statement of Special Educational Needs to SENDIST and the implications for the professionals involved in supporting these children following The Education Act 2011, Health and Social Care Act 2012 and SEN reforms.

Clive has been at the forefront of education law and public law since 1994.

“He has a formidable legal mind and is able to dissect the most complex of legal arguments.”

 “He instills confidence in the client and is good at managing expectations”.’ Chambers UK 2012

Clive Rawlings is a “formidable advocate…” Chambers UK 2011

‘Clive Rawlings impresses “with his preparation and attention to detail, and has the ability to dissect legal arguments in a simplistic way which provides confidence to clients”Legal 500 2010

Book your place now at www.wordswell.co.uk to attend the Towards a Positive Future Conference 2012 today and hear Clive live!