Children and Families Act 2014
Councils are addressing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, with Hackney awarding a therapy contract and Hounslow accepting Ombudsman findings on service failures.
Hackney Council awarded a £2.2 million contract for children's speech and language therapy services in August 2026, approved by the Hackney Procurement Board, to ensure continuity of essential provision. This followed Hounslow Council's formal acceptance in July 2026 of Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman findings regarding failures in its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, specifically concerning speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for a child, as outlined in their Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan under the Children and Families Act 2014.
The Children and Families Act 2014 outlines obligations concerning children, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Ombudsman's investigation highlighted Hounslow Council's duty to secure provision under section 42 of the Act, finding that the omission of therapies resulted in a loss of provision and distress. No further meetings are currently scheduled to discuss this topic.
Key facts
- Hackney Council awarded a £2.2 million contract for children's speech and language therapy services in August 2026. Source
- The Hackney Procurement Board approved the decision to award the contract in August 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council formally accepted Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman findings on SEND provision failures in July 2026. Source
- The Ombudsman found Hounslow Council failed to secure specified speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for a child. Source
- The Ombudsman highlighted Hounslow Council's duty to secure provision under section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.