LCC education provision and attendance audit
Lancashire County Council should, by no later than 13 October 2026, carry out and report on an audit (preferably involving an experienced independent external member) to review:
1. The speed of response to cases where a need for alternative education provision is raised including for those over 16 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
2. The effectiveness of its monitoring of (and action in response to) school attendance with particular attention being given to (i) children who live in Lancashire but attend school in neighbouring counties; (ii) the resourcing of home visits in appropriate cases; (iii) whether appropriate action is being taken where parents refuse to allow school attendance workers to see a child who is not attending school.
3. The effectiveness of the Education, Health and Care Plan portal approach which has been put in place.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government agrees with all 67 recommendations made by the Chair. The government recognises these five fundamental failings. These failings are unacceptable. There are a further 27 recommendations that require delivery by organisations that sit outside central government. The government has written to all national, regional and local organisations responsible for delivering recommendations to highlight the findings of the Inquiry. The government will continue to work closely with these organisations to facilitate and support on delivery of these recommendations, and will report, as far as possible, on delivery of these recommendations alongside progress on the recommendations for central government. (Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry, CP 1623, 2 July 2026.)
Progress Timeline
Government response published 2 July 2026 (CP 1623). The government agreed with this recommendation, which is for delivery by Lancashire County Council; the government has written to the responsible organisation and will report on delivery.