SEN Reform Update: Where are we now – and what does it mean for independent school governors?
The SEND White Paper represents one of the most significant proposed restructurings of the SEND system in a generation. While much of the legislative focus remains on the state sector, the direction of travel is already having a tangible impact on independent schools.
This session will provide governors with a concise update on:
In particular, the session will explore how these developments are likely to affect admissions and pupil profile, parental expectations and challenge and governance and oversight responsibilities (including financial and resourcing considerations).
The session is designed to equip governors with a clear, forward-looking understanding of the evolving landscape, enabling them to ask the right questions of senior leadership and help support their school in managing the changes ahead.
Speakers:
Ginny Parkes, AGBIS Deputy CEO and Director of Professional Development
Charlotte Melhuish, Partner, Stone King



Partner, Stone King
Charlotte is a Partner in Stone King’s independent schools team and co-leads the firm’s dedicated special education provision team. She is extremely experienced providing advice and training for independent schools, independent special schools and non-maintained special schools on a range of pastoral care and operational matters, and often speaks at events for the independent schools sector including the ISBA and HMC – The Heads’ Conference. As well as being a member of the Education Law Association, Charlotte served for seven years as a governor of her local independent school, which catered predominately for children with mild to moderate learning difficulties

Deputy CEO and Director of Professional Development, AGBIS
Virginia (Ginny) Parkes commenced her career in education 20 years ago, when she initially taught ICT and business studies up to, and including, A Level. After several years in teaching, Ginny moved into a consultancy based role before joining the Department for Education, initially as Head of Digital Engagement for the Training and Development Agency (TDA) before moving on as a Senior Communications Advisor for the DfE. Following the birth of her two daughters, Ginny took up the role of Education Strategy Director for an educational trust in Greater Manchester, before eventually taking up her previous role as Director of Finance & Operations (Bursar) at Beech Hall School in Cheshire. Ginny is an experienced governance professional, having sat as a governor for several schools throughout her career, as well as holding the position of Director of Governance for a large complex FE college group in South Yorkshire. Ginny is now a Trustee of the Sir John Brunner Foundation in Cheshire. In addition to being a qualified teacher, Ginny also holds a first degree in Business Management and a MSc. in Technology Enhanced Learning, Innovation & Change. Ginny’s role within AGBIS draws on her experience as a teacher, governance professional and independent school bursar enabling her to support member schools’ governing bodies.Please accept {{cookieConsents}} cookies to view this content