Recommendation 89

We welcome the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, particularly the proposed reforms that give local authorities a greater role in key decision- making areas such as the establishment of new schools, oversight of admissions, and the placement of pupils. These changes represent a positive step toward restoring strategic oversight at the local level. Empowering local authorities in these areas is essential for improving coordination across the system, addressing local sufficiency gaps, and reducing reliance on costly out-of-area or independent placements. Currently, without this, local authorities have been unable to ensure that sufficient and suitable provision is available for children and young people with SEND in their area. (Conclusion, Paragraph 312)