Education Act 1996
Hackney Council has approved significant investment in transport for vulnerable children, as councils address specialist education provision and RE syllabus reviews.
Hackney Council's Procurement Board approved an investment of up to £24 million in July 2026 for transport services for vulnerable residents, including children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This new Passenger Transport Framework is expected to commence in April 2027. Separately, Havering Council's Cabinet approved contracts for Ofsted-registered alternative provision in August 2026, ensuring educational support for children.
Hounslow's Deputy Leader was scheduled to consider a proposal in May 2026 for the expansion of Cedars Special School, aiming to increase specialist secondary places. Bromley's Children, Education and Families Information Briefing discussed elective home education and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessment outcomes in June 2026. Bexley Council convened its Agreed Syllabus Conference in November 2025 to review its Religious Education syllabus, as mandated by the Act.
The Education Act 1996 sets out the legal framework for education in England and Wales, outlining councils' statutory duties to arrange education for children of compulsory school age who would not otherwise receive it. It also places a duty on local authorities to ensure sufficient schools and specialist provision are available.
Key facts
- Hackney Council's Procurement Board approved up to £24 million for transport services for vulnerable residents in July 2026. Source
- The new Passenger Transport Framework in Hackney is expected to commence on 1 April 2027. Source
- Bexley Council convened the Bexley Agreed Syllabus Conference to review its Religious Education syllabus in November 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.