The recent legal case of a boy whose local authority reduced his education, health and care plan (EHCP) so that an unsuitable school would admit him, shines a light on the shortage of appropriate local provision, and a system under financial pressure.
While the sector welcomed the ambition behind the 2014 special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms, children's services leaders are concerned that a lack of funding to deliver them is fuelling demand for high-level support packages, exacerbating financial pressures.
February's High Court finding that Medway Council acted unlawfully in its treatment of the eight-year-old boy, left the council with an estimated bill of £40,000, and could lead to further challenges by schools over the suitability of council placements.
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