X (Secure Accommodation: Lack of Provision)

Ms Hannah Simpson, Counsel� for the Applicant Local Authority X's mother and step-father in person Ms Louise Sapstead, Counsel for the 2nd Respondent Children's Guardian Mr Jack Holborn, Counsel for the Secretary of State for Education Hearing Dates: 16th November 2022 and 6th December 2022 ____________________

i) The responsibility for ensuring a looked after child is placed in the appropriate care setting lies with local authorities;

ii) Local authorities have a duty to ensure sufficient appropriate provision, including secure accommodation, for the children they look after;

iii) The final decision on placement lies with the provider of the children's home;

iv) The Secretary of State has no responsibility for decisions on the placement of individual children into secure accommodation in England;