The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has assured parents that the government will not withdraw vital support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it embarks on significant reforms to the education system in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that funding for SEND will increase rather than decrease, addressing concerns that the proposed changes could limit existing support structures.
Key Reforms Announced
In an attempt to overhaul the SEND framework, the government is set to unveil a White Paper detailing its proposals on Monday. This document has been long awaited by parents and advocates who are apprehensive about potential reductions in the support their children currently receive. Phillipson stated that the reforms are designed to ensure children are assessed according to their specific needs, particularly as they transition from primary to secondary education.
According to leaked information, the reforms may introduce reassessments for children currently holding education, health and care plans (EHCPs) as they move into secondary school starting in 2029. These changes will be accompanied by a new system of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, which will carry a legal framework guiding their implementation.
Commitment to Enhanced Support
Phillipson reassured parents that the forthcoming changes will lead to swifter access to support. “I can guarantee that under the new system, more children will receive support,” she asserted, adding that it would be delivered more efficiently and with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. The impending ISPs, she noted, would have a robust legal foundation, ensuring clarity and consistency in the support provided.
When questioned about the potential withdrawal of support for existing beneficiaries, Phillipson firmly stated, “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children.” She acknowledged the current system is flawed and noted that a gradual transition over the next decade will be necessary to implement these reforms effectively.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
However, the shadow education secretary, Laura Trott, has expressed significant reservations regarding the planned reforms. She highlighted the ongoing struggles that many parents face in securing adequate support for their children. Trott cautioned that the prospect of reassessments could be alarming for families who have already fought hard for their children’s rights.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, who has navigated the complexities of obtaining an EHCP for her son, voiced their apprehensions about the legal protections under the new framework. Luxford described the current system as adversarial and burdensome, fearing that any changes might undo the progress her son has made in a funded virtual school.
Financial Pressures and Broader Implications
The backdrop to these reforms is a SEND system under immense financial strain. The government plans to assume responsibility for SEND costs currently borne by local councils starting in 2028, which is expected to generate a £6 billion financial burden. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has highlighted three potential avenues for addressing this issue: increasing educational funding, reforming the SEND system to curtail spending growth, or implementing cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS remarked on the precarious situation, stating, “We still have a system that is characterised by conflict, by fight, but also by really patchy levels of quality.”
The government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers by the time children born during this parliamentary term reach secondary school. The latest GCSE results indicate that the disadvantage gap index for year 11s rose to its highest level in a decade during the 2022/2023 academic year.
Why it Matters
These proposed reforms represent a pivotal moment for the SEND system in England, with the potential to reshape how support is delivered to vulnerable children. While the government has committed to enhancing support, the effectiveness of these changes will ultimately depend on their implementation and the ability to navigate the complex landscape of educational needs. The stakes are high, and parents, educators, and policymakers alike will be closely monitoring the unfolding situation to ensure that children receive the necessary support to thrive.
