In a bid to quell fears surrounding forthcoming reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has pledged that “effective support” for children will remain intact. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson affirmed the government’s commitment to increasing funding for SEND, countering concerns that recent proposals could reduce existing support mechanisms. The details of these reforms will be revealed in a much-anticipated White Paper set for release on Monday.
Proposed Reforms and Parental Concerns
The government’s overhaul of the SEND system comes as local councils grapple with escalating costs and an increasing number of children requiring support. Leaked information suggests that assessments for children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will transition to a new system where reviews occur as children progress into secondary education, starting in 2029. This change is intended to streamline support; however, parents are worried about the potential implications for their children’s existing entitlements.
In her interview, Phillipson acknowledged the current system’s shortcomings, stating, “We’re meant to be having a system where every year an EHCP is reviewed. That doesn’t always happen.” The upcoming White Paper aims to address such inconsistencies while ensuring that children receive timely support tailored to their needs. Phillipson reassured parents that the new Individual Support Plans (ISPs) would carry legal weight, thus providing a clearer pathway to necessary resources.
Political Reactions and Parental Experiences
The shadow education secretary, Laura Trott, voiced apprehensions regarding the proposed changes, noting that many parents have faced significant struggles in securing adequate support for their children. Trott described the notion of reassessment as “genuinely frightening,” reflecting widespread anxiety among families reliant on SEND provisions.
Personal accounts, such as that of Hannah Luxford, underscore the current system’s complexities and challenges. Luxford’s experience in securing an EHCP for her son took a daunting 18 months. Now, with her son thriving in a funded virtual school, she fears that any reduction in legal protections could undo the progress they have made. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she expressed.
Financial Implications and the Path Ahead
The government’s strategy also includes shifting the financial burden of SEND costs from local councils to central government by 2028, a move expected to generate a £6 billion pressure on the national budget. Analysts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warn that this could exacerbate existing challenges, with rising numbers of EHCPs failing to translate into improved outcomes for children. Luke Sibieta from the IFS emphasised the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” marked by increasing conflict and inconsistent quality of support across the board.
In addition to SEND reforms, the government is aiming to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this Parliament finish secondary school. Recent data indicates that the gap widened to its highest point in a decade, highlighting the urgency for effective intervention strategies.
Why it Matters
As the government prepares to unveil its SEND reform plans, the stakes are high for families navigating a system fraught with challenges. Parents are understandably concerned about the potential for diminished support, particularly for those already struggling to secure necessary resources for their children. The outcome of these reforms will not only shape the future of SEND provision in England but will also reflect the government’s commitment to addressing educational inequalities and ensuring that all children receive the support they deserve. The decisions made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly have lasting implications for families and the educational landscape in the UK.
