Launch a public inquiry into unlawful SEND practices by local authorities

Background

We ask the Government to launch an independent public inquiry into widespread unlawful SEND practices by local authorities, including failures to comply with statutory duties under existing legislation, and the resulting impact on disabled children and young people, families and schools

Additional details

Evidence suggests these failures are widespread and persistent. ITV recently aired whistleblower allegations, while MP Chris Coghlan has shared extensive evidence with the Education Secretary, including avoidable deaths where coroners identified SEND failures as a contributing factor. These failures lead to loss of education, employment and potential, for the affected children and their families. An independent inquiry must establish the scale, causes and costs, to ensure accountability.