The Government’s February 2026 SEND reforms mark the biggest change to the system since Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were introduced in 2014 | 4-5 Gray's Inn Square

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In this new article, Lauren Fullerton and Prof Arran Dowling-Hussey explore what the reforms mean for local authorities, including:

• The continued legal force of EHCPs

• The introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

• A potential shift toward public law and Equality Act challenges

• Governance and litigation risks during the 2029–2035 transition period

While the reforms aim to reshape SEND provision, they may change rather than reduce legal exposure for local authorities.

To read the full article, please click here.

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