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Education Secretary Accuses Lawyers of Exploiting Special Needs Parents

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson accused lawyers of exploiting parents of children with special needs and claimed their criticisms are profit-driven.
Speaking at the ASCL conference, she defended a proposed overhaul to reduce adversarial relations between parents and schools.
She urged a fairer system with early support for all children, not those who can hire legal help.
ASCL president Jo Rowley warned of conflicts over special needs support and urged collaboration.

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Story summary

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson accused lawyers of exploiting parents of children with special needs and claimed their criticisms are profit-driven.
Speaking at the ASCL conference, she defended a proposed overhaul to reduce adversarial relations between parents and schools.
She urged a fairer system with early support for all children, not those who can hire legal help.
ASCL president Jo Rowley warned of conflicts over special needs support and urged collaboration.