In a bid to quell concerns surrounding proposed changes to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework in England, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has pledged that “effective support” for affected children will not be reduced. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson confirmed that the government intends to increase funding for SEND services as part of a comprehensive overhaul set to be outlined in a forthcoming White Paper.
Planned Reforms Under Scrutiny
The anticipated White Paper, due for release on Monday, has generated considerable anxiety among parents of children with SEND, many of whom fear that their current support systems may face limitations. The government is under pressure to address the escalating costs associated with the SEND system, which many stakeholders believe is currently in a state of crisis.
Recent leaks suggest that new assessments for children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) could be mandated when they transition to secondary school, starting in 2029. This change would be accompanied by the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with identified special educational needs, which would carry some degree of legal status. Phillipson asserted that EHCPs would remain integral to the new framework, promising that more children would receive support more promptly and without the arduous battles currently faced by parents.
Transitioning to a New System
During her appearance on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Phillipson emphasised that the reforms represent a “decade-long, very careful transition” aimed at rectifying a system that is widely regarded as ineffective. She assured parents that no existing support would be withdrawn. “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children,” Phillipson stated, adding that the new ISPs would be legally grounded, providing clear guidelines for implementation.
However, the proposed reassessment process has raised eyebrows among parents and political opponents alike. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed significant concerns about the implications of these reforms, particularly regarding the potential for reduced support. “Too many parents have had to fight for the support they need, and the idea of reassessments will be genuinely frightening for them,” Trott commented.
Parent Perspectives on the Reforms
For parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has experienced anxiety, navigating the current system has been fraught with challenges. Luxford recounted her struggle to secure an EHCP, a process that took 18 months. “It’s an unhelpful, adversarial, complex system that is designed to make you give up,” she remarked, noting that her son is now thriving in a funded virtual school. Nonetheless, she expressed concern about the security of his legal rights under the proposed changes. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she warned.
This apprehension is echoed by many families who rely on existing support mechanisms and are fearful of potential setbacks in their children’s educational journeys.
Financial Pressures and Future Strategies
The government’s approach to SEND funding is also under scrutiny, particularly following its decision to assume responsibility for costs currently borne by local councils starting in 2028. This shift could impose a £6 billion financial burden on the government, raising questions about how this will be managed. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested that the government faces three options: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to curtail SEND expenditure, or making cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS described the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” highlighting the rise in both EHCP numbers and costs without any corresponding improvement in service quality. This systemic conflict and inconsistency in service delivery have become key issues that stakeholders hope the forthcoming reforms will address.
Additionally, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time students born during this parliamentary session complete secondary school. Recent data revealed that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students widened to 3.94 in the 2022/2023 academic year, marking the highest level in a decade.
Why it Matters
The reforms to the SEND framework are pivotal not only for the children directly impacted but also for the broader educational landscape in England. As the government navigates financial constraints and rising demand for support, the outcomes of these proposed changes could significantly alter the educational experiences of countless children. Ensuring that effective support remains intact while introducing necessary reforms will be crucial in fostering an inclusive educational environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. The stakes are high, and the voices of parents, educators, and policymakers will play a vital role in shaping the way forward.
