The government is committed to maintaining effective support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) despite upcoming reforms, according to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. In a recent interview, Phillipson assured parents that funding for SEND provisions will increase, countering fears that the new system may limit existing support.
Reassessments and New Legal Framework
Phillipson revealed that the government aims to enhance the SEND system, which has faced scrutiny for its rising costs and perceived ineffectiveness. The forthcoming White Paper, set to be released on Monday, will detail proposed changes that include reassessing children’s needs as they transition to secondary school. This move comes in response to widespread concerns from parents and advocates regarding the adequacy of current support systems.
The leaked draft suggests that children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo a review process starting in 2029. This will coincide with new Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which will be legally recognised and available to all children identified with SEND, even those without EHCPs. Phillipson emphasised that these ISPs will create clearer pathways for support, alleviating the burden on parents who often struggle to navigate the existing system.
Government’s Assurance on Funding
During her appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Phillipson stated, “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children.” She stressed that the new framework would allow for quicker access to necessary resources, reducing the need for parents to battle through bureaucratic hurdles to secure assistance for their children. “What I’ll be setting out tomorrow is a decade-long, very careful transition from the system that we have – which everyone recognises isn’t working,” she added.
However, the shadow education secretary, Laura Trott, voiced concerns over the proposed reassessments. She highlighted that many parents already face significant challenges in securing support, and the notion of reassessment could be distressing for families relying on EHCPs. Trott reiterated the necessity for the government to ensure that no child loses their support through these reforms.
The Broader Context of SEND Reforms
The government’s proposed reforms come at a time when the SEND system is under considerable strain, with an increasing number of EHCPs and escalating costs placing additional pressure on local councils. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has indicated that the current trajectory is unsustainable, with multiple options available to the government: boosting education funding, implementing measures to control SEND spending growth, or resorting to budget cuts.
The government has committed to absorbing SEND costs currently borne by councils starting in 2028, a decision that is expected to create a £6 billion financial burden. Analysts warn that without significant improvements in the quality of support, the ongoing conflict and dissatisfaction among parents may intensify.
Addressing the Attainment Gap
In conjunction with SEND reforms, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers by the end of this Parliament. Recent GCSE results indicate that this gap has widened post-pandemic, reaching its highest level in a decade. The government plans to reform funding allocation for schools in order to better support disadvantaged backgrounds, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
Why it Matters
The impending SEND reforms represent a pivotal moment for families navigating the complexities of educational support. With rising costs and systemic challenges, the government’s commitment to enhancing provisions is critical. However, the success of these reforms will hinge on their implementation and the extent to which they genuinely improve access to effective support. For many parents, the stakes are high; the outcome of these reforms could mean the difference between adequate educational provision and a return to an adversarial system that has left countless families struggling.
