A step forward in the provision of education to pupils with Down’s syndrome - Law Society Gazette

Children with Down’s syndrome are not currently automatically sent to specialist schools, although there may be an informal and potentially unlawful presumption by local authorities in favour of this and reluctance on the part of mainstream schools to admit them. Many children and young people with Down’s syndrome are eligible for an education health and care plan (EHC plan).

Russell-Cooke partner and head of education Eva Akins writes in the Law Society Gazette that the proposals contained in the Down's Syndrome Bill, promoted by former cabinet member Liam Fox MP as a private member’s bill, are then potentially a positive step forwards.

A step forward in the provision of education to pupils with Down's syndrome is available to read on the Law Society Gazette website. 

Eva is a partner and head of education law in the children and education team. Eva advises on special educational needs, Equality Act claims, admissions, exclusions, complaints, transport, exam malpractice and school governance. She also supports our specialist teams in claims involving negligence or breach of contract occurring  in education settings, and forms part of a cross-departmental team of lawyers advising schools on all aspects of governance with a view to ensuring best practice and compliance with statutory obligations.