Commentary on Sections Review of education and care provision Section 27: Duty to keep education and care provision under review
186.This section requires local authorities in England to keep under review the educational and training provision and social care provision made in their area for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities and the provision made outside their area for children and young people with special educational needs for whom they are responsible and for those with disabilities.
187.Local authorities must consider the extent of provision and whether it is sufficient to meet children and young people’s educational needs, training needs and social care needs. This complements the local authority’s duties under section 14 and section 15ZA of the Education Act 1996 to secure sufficient schools and suitable education and training for young people.
188.When keeping their provision under review local authorities are required to consult with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities, the bodies named in subsection (3) of the section and any other such people as the local authority thinks appropriate.
189.In carrying out their duties under this section local authorities must have regard to the relevant Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Health and Well-being Strategy.
190.This section replaces section 315 of the Education Act 1996 in England and will operate alongside section 26 on joint commissioning to provide the local authority with relevant information with which to prepare the local offer.