The UK government is poised to announce a groundbreaking transformation of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in schools, backed by a substantial £4 billion investment. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has described this initiative as a “once in a generation moment” to reshape the educational landscape, as she prepares to address longstanding issues within the current system. The proposed reforms aim to enhance support for children with SEND, while also imposing stricter obligations on local councils.
A New Vision for SEND
The forthcoming reforms are seen as a pivotal moment for both Bridget Phillipson and Labour leader Keir Starmer, following a previous delay in the proposals due to significant opposition from parents and MPs. In an article penned for the Guardian, Phillipson emphasised that the changes are focused on enhancing support rather than removing it, marking a critical step towards defining the future of education in England.
The planned overhaul includes a considerable investment in special needs provision, alleviating fears that the initiative would simply result in cuts amid rising service costs. The reforms promise tailored specialist support in every mainstream school and the creation of an additional 60,000 school places specifically for students with special needs.
Addressing Parental Concerns
In response to previous criticisms and a major listening exercise conducted by Phillipson, the reforms aim to address the anxieties of parents who have often felt overwhelmed by the existing SEND system. Starmer remarked on the necessity of ensuring that support for children with special needs is readily available and does not require families to engage in prolonged battles for appropriate educational settings.
Under the new proposals, schools will receive additional funding for specialised support, but stricter criteria will be established for children eligible for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This plan, which grants legal entitlement to SEND support, will now be reserved for those with the most severe and complex needs. However, lower-tier support will also be enhanced, and parents will still retain some rights even as they navigate a more limited choice of schools.
Stricter Oversight for Local Authorities
The reforms come at a time when demand for SEND provision is at an all-time high, alongside growing parental distrust in the existing system, where families typically succeed in appeals for SEND support. Government sources have indicated that councils will face new legal obligations to fulfil their duties towards students with special needs. The new white paper will effectively warn local authorities that failure to meet these duties could result in a loss of their SEND service management.
The proposed funding strategy includes £1.6 billion over three years for early years settings, schools, and colleges, aimed at improving inclusion and providing essential services like small-group language support. Furthermore, an additional £1.8 billion will be allocated to develop a service that supplies local authorities with additional SEND teachers and therapists, ensuring that support is available regardless of whether children have EHCPs.
A Collaborative Approach
The response from charities and educational think tanks has been cautiously optimistic, with many stressing the importance of improving staff retention and recruitment to ensure the success of the reforms. Jo Hutchinson, Director of SEND at the Education Policy Institute, warned that without a significant increase in funded training places, there will not be enough qualified professionals to deliver these vital services.
Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential benefits for disadvantaged families who might struggle to advocate for their children’s needs in the current system. Yet, concerns persist regarding the clarity of legal rights under the new proposals, with some experts questioning whether they adequately address the systemic issues in SEND provision.
Greater Manchester’s Mayor, Andy Burnham, has expressed readiness for the region to become an early adopter of the reforms, believing that a more preventative and less adversarial approach could foster greater confidence in the changes. He emphasised the need for a collective effort that prioritises children and parents in the redesign of the SEND system.
Why it Matters
These reforms represent a significant shift in how special educational needs are addressed in England, with the potential to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for children with SEND. The £4 billion investment not only aims to rectify longstanding inequalities but also has the power to reshape the experiences of countless families navigating the complexities of the current system. As the government moves forward with these proposals, the effectiveness of this initiative will hinge on its execution and the commitment to truly prioritising the needs of children with special educational needs.
