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Our Education team in the News again
We’re delighted that, yet again, the HCB Group has been recognised as an authority in the area of Education Law and that the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has referenced our very own Holly Blacklaws in a recent article.... Well done, Holly.
Andrew Barrowclough, Head of Education Law, HCB Group.
We’ve summarised the piece listed on the NAHT’s website www.schoolsweek.co.uk below.
Emergency Powers aimed at relaxing the requirements placed on councils to support SEND (special education needs and disability) are to be introduced.
As long as Councils can show that they have shown “reasonable endeavours” to fulfil their legal requirements under existing EHCPs (Education Health and Care Plans) they will not be penalised as part of the proposed Corona Virus bill.
By contrast a number of parents are anxious that this could lead to the loss of rights for those with special educational needs. The Chair of the All Party parliamentary group tasked with managing the needs of those with special education requirements and disabilities, Labour MP Emma Hardy, expressed her anxiety about a possible erosion of rights currently entitled to the vulnerable children within her remit.
By contrast the Children’s Minister, Vicky Ford, said in an open letter that the Governments proposition was meant to, “strike the right balance in these difficult times”. She further commented that the, “overwhelming aim” of the changes is to “balance the needs of this vulnerable group to receive the support they need with managing the demands on local authorities and health bodies”.
In the article published within the NAHT’s website our own Holly Blacklaws was quoted as saying that EHCP’s could be, “be extremely watered down” and further added “it is unlikely that local authorities will have to provide special educational provision for children with special educational needs”.
The Government has suggested the revised powers will, “only be exercised for shortest period and where necessary and will be regularly reviewed”.
The bill is presently before the House of Lords and is expected to become law before the end of March.
Should you wish to discuss any Education Law matter please either call 0333 202 7175 or email the team via education@hcbgroup.com