SV Law has represented parties in some of the most novel and important education law matters. These include, but are not limited to: R (Durand Education Trust) v Secretary of State for Education [2020] EWCA Civ 1651 ​ In this case, Durand Educational Trust brought a claim under Article 1 Protocol 1 of the EHCR (peaceful enjoyment of possessions) and Article 14 EHCR (discrimination). ​ The appeal was dismissed. It was held that on all grounds. The Court of Appeal (McCombe, Fl

Introduction The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (“the Bill”), currently in the committee stage in the House of Commons, is Labour’s attempt to codify their manifesto commitments to drive high standards in education, keep children safe and support children in care. The Bill introduces far-reaching reforms to social care and schools. This article will look at three areas of policy reform introduced under Part 2 – Schools, namely: (i) Children not in School, (ii) Regulati

Background This case concerns Islington Council’s challenge against the decision of the Secretary of State for Education to convert Pooles Park Primary School into an academy. Following an "Inadequate" Ofsted rating, the Secretary of State issued an Academy Order, a standard response under s4(A1) Academies Act 2010 for schools rated at the lowest level. Islington Council argued that the school’s declining enrolment and financial pressures made closure a better option. Instead

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (‘IFS’) has published an extensive report on spending in special education. It concludes there is an urgent need for reform. The IFS reports spending has become “unsustainable” due to a high rise in needs which has created unprecedented pressure. Without substantial reform, the IFS predicts that SEND will become unmanageable for local authorities. The full report can be found here: https://ifs.org.uk/publications/spending-special-educational-n

The Upper Tribunal has provided a judgment on the “right to mainstream” under Section 33 of the Children and families Act 2014 (CFA), as well as considering the application of Section 9 of the Education Act 1996. Facts and the First-tier Tribunal decision In AA v London Borough of Hounslow (SEN) UKUT 226 (AAC), C was a young child with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Delay, who experienced significant needs relating to communication, sensory regu

Introduction On 23 February 2026, the Government published its SEND Reform White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving alongside a consultation document on proposals to reform the SEND system. Martha Glynn, Benjamin Deery and Heather Burrows, Paralegals at specialist education law firm, SV Law, Solicitors, London explore some of the most potentially impactful proposals below, together with some insights derived from working within an arguably analogous policy framework

Benjamin Deery, Paralegal at boutique education law firm SV Law, looks at the education framework for child performers. Benjamin himself was a professional actor for many years before switching to the legal profession. Despite wider fiscal uncertainty, the UK’s creative industries remain a robust pillar of the national economy. Year on year, they generate significant employment opportunities for performers of all ages - including children and young persons (‘CYPs’). Major Wes