Reviewing the 2026 White Paper for SEND.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Relevant statutory and regulatory framework A local authority is ‘responsible’ for a child/YP for the purposes of Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (“CFA 2014”) if that child/YP is [Section 24(1) CFA 2014]: ● a. In the local authority’s area, and: - ● b. Has been either - (i) identified by the…

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