**
The UK government is preparing to unveil a significant reform of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, with a new schools white paper expected to be presented on Monday. This initiative, which aims to redefine eligibility for education, health, and care plans (EHCPs), may encounter substantial opposition from Labour MPs, raising questions about its future in Parliament.
Changes to Eligibility Criteria
Under the proposed changes, the threshold for qualifying for EHCPs will be elevated, restricting these plans to children with the most severe and complex needs. While this move is intended to streamline the provision of support, it has sparked concerns among advocates for SEND, who argue that it could leave many vulnerable children without necessary assistance. Nevertheless, the government insists that additional support and legal rights will still be available for children falling under lower tiers of need.
Parents will retain their legal rights to appeal under existing equality legislation and through tribunal processes, according to sources familiar with the proposals. This is a critical aspect of the reforms, as it aims to ensure that parental voices continue to be heard in decisions affecting their children.
Government’s Approach and Labour’s Response
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has been at the forefront of this campaign, engaging in extensive discussions with MPs over the past year. Many members of her party acknowledge the urgent need for reform, recognising that the current SEND system has significant flaws, primarily related to inadequate funding and support for children in mainstream education.
However, there remains a palpable concern within the government regarding the potential backlash from Labour MPs, especially if parents mobilise against the reforms. Critics of the existing system argue that it has created a landscape where hundreds of thousands of children receive insufficient support, leaving them vulnerable in educational settings.
Phillipson has assured that children with SEND will “always have a legal right to support” and has committed that Labour will not only protect but enhance that support. If the proposed legislation is successful, children currently in Year 2 with EHCPs will undergo assessments to determine whether their needs can be met through more flexible arrangements or if they should continue to receive an EHCP.
Broader Implications of the Reform
This overhaul is being described as one of the most consequential policy shifts the government has undertaken since its welfare reform initiatives, which faced significant opposition leading to their abandonment. The stakes are high, as the success of these reforms could redefine the educational landscape for children with SEND in England.
As the government prepares to introduce these changes, the balance of support and resource allocation remains a contentious issue. Advocates are urging caution, warning that any move to restrict EHCPs could exacerbate existing inequalities in educational provision.
Why it Matters
The impending transformation of the SEND system is a critical moment for educational policy in the UK. If implemented effectively, these reforms could provide a more structured and equitable framework for supporting children with special educational needs. Conversely, if met with resistance and inadequately executed, they risk leaving many children without the support they desperately require. The outcome of this legislative effort could have lasting implications for the rights of vulnerable children and their families, shaping the future of inclusive education in Britain.
