In a bid to clarify the government’s position on educational support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured that existing effective assistance will not be diminished as part of upcoming reforms in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that the government intends to increase funding for SEND support rather than reduce it, aiming to address growing concerns about a system many believe is faltering.
Reassessments and New Support Framework
The government’s anticipated White Paper on SEND provisions, set to be unveiled on Monday, outlines a new framework intended to streamline support for students transitioning into secondary education. Leaked details suggest that children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessments as they complete primary school, beginning in 2029. This move aims to create a more responsive system that better meets the needs of children as they grow.
Moreover, the proposed reforms will introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all students identified with SEND, even those without EHCPs. These ISPs are expected to carry legal weight, ensuring a more structured approach to support that parents can rely on. Phillipson expressed confidence that this new system would facilitate quicker access to necessary resources, stating, “More children will receive support… when they need it and where they need it.”
Addressing Concerns from Parents and Educators
Despite the government’s assurances, there remains palpable concern among parents and educators regarding the implications of these reforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott articulated significant reservations, highlighting that many families currently struggle to secure the support their children require. The prospect of reassessments could exacerbate existing anxieties, particularly for those who have fought hard to obtain EHCPs.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has benefited from a funded virtual school through an EHCP, voiced their fears about the potential erosion of legal protections under the new system. Luxford described the current process as “unhelpful” and “adversarial,” noting the lengthy struggle to secure her son’s support. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she warned, reflecting the apprehension many parents feel.
Financial Pressures and Systemic Challenges
The government’s intention to restructure SEND funding, shifting the financial burden from local councils to central government by 2028, is forecasted to create a £6 billion strain on resources. This move comes amidst rising costs associated with SEND provisions, prompting calls for a thorough reassessment of funding strategies. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in the number of EHCPs coupled with spiralling costs, yet without a corresponding improvement in educational quality.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS described the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” noting that the SEND system is plagued by conflict and inconsistencies in the quality of support provided. The government’s proposed reforms aim to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of this Parliament, yet achieving this goal will require significant changes in how schools allocate funding and resources.
Why it Matters
The government’s commitment to enhancing support for children with SEND is both crucial and contentious. As it seeks to implement reforms aimed at improving the educational landscape, the balance between increasing accessibility to support and ensuring that existing provisions remain intact is delicate. Parents, educators, and policymakers will be watching closely, as the outcomes of these reforms could have lasting implications for the lives of countless children across the country. The success of this initiative hinges on transparency, effective communication, and a genuine commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all students.
