In a bid to reassure parents, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has insisted that the government will not retract vital support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it prepares to unveil significant reforms to the education sector in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson confirmed that funding for SEND will increase, countering fears that proposed changes could limit essential assistance for vulnerable students.
Anticipated White Paper to Outline Reforms
The government is expected to publish a White Paper on SEND reforms this coming Monday, which has been highly anticipated by families concerned about the future of educational support. Leaked details suggest a shift in how students with SEND are assessed, particularly as they transition to secondary education. Phillipson acknowledged that while children’s needs will be reviewed, the goal is to ensure that support is not only maintained but enhanced.
The proposed changes are in response to a crisis within the SEND system, with rising costs and an increasing number of students requiring support. Reports indicate that from 2029, children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) may undergo reassessments after completing primary school. This would coincide with the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all SEND students, which would carry legal weight and provide a framework for tailored assistance.
Ensuring Timely and Effective Support
During her appearance on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Phillipson stressed that EHCPs will remain pivotal in the future educational landscape. She stated, “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support,” adding that this assistance would be delivered more swiftly and equitably.
Parents have long expressed frustration over the existing system, which often requires them to fight for necessary support for their children. As Phillipson noted, the intention is to reduce this burden. “Parents won’t have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP,” she remarked, indicating a shift towards a more streamlined process.
Concerns from the Opposition
Despite the government’s assurances, opposition figures are voicing their concerns. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott highlighted the anxiety surrounding the reassessment of children’s support needs, stating that many parents fear losing the help currently afforded to them. The idea of reassessment could be particularly daunting for families who have already navigated a notoriously complex system to secure EHCPs.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son requires significant support, echo these fears. After enduring an 18-month battle to obtain an EHCP, Luxford is cautiously optimistic about the reforms but remains concerned about the potential loss of legal protections for her son’s education. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she warned, underscoring the stakes involved for families relying on these essential support systems.
Financial Implications and Future Challenges
The government’s commitment to cover SEND costs currently borne by local councils from 2028 is projected to introduce a £6 billion strain on the budget. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has pointed out the pressing need for strategic decisions to address rising SEND expenditures. Options include increasing education funding, implementing reforms to control SEND spending growth, or making cuts.
As the landscape of SEND support evolves, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of this parliamentary term. The latest data reveals that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students has widened, highlighting the urgency for effective interventions.
Why it Matters
The proposed reforms to the SEND system represent a critical juncture for education in England. With an increasing number of students needing support and a system widely perceived to be failing, the stakes are high. Ensuring that vulnerable children receive the necessary assistance is paramount, not only for their educational outcomes but also for their overall well-being. The government’s ability to navigate these reforms successfully will be closely scrutinised by parents, educators, and policymakers alike, as the future of many children hangs in the balance.
