The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has reassured parents that the government’s forthcoming reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system will not diminish the support currently available to children. As the government prepares to unveil a comprehensive White Paper detailing these changes, Phillipson has promised increased funding and faster access to essential services.
Commitment to Enhanced Support
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that the government is committed to investing more in SEND services, countering fears that the reforms might restrict support for vulnerable children. “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children,” she stated, clarifying that the proposed changes aim to streamline the process of securing assistance. The new system is designed to ensure that children receive timely support to meet their individual needs.
The anticipated White Paper is set to be released on Monday, and its details have generated significant interest among parents concerned about the implications for their children’s education. The reform is partly a response to the increasing strain on the SEND system, which many experts argue is in crisis due to rising costs and a growing number of children requiring support.
Proposed Changes to Assessments
Reports suggest that the reforms will introduce a reassessment process for students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as they transition to secondary school, starting in 2029. This initiative is expected to complement the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, which will carry legal weight and aim to standardise support across schools.
Phillipson affirmed that EHCPs will remain integral to the new structure, declaring, “EHCPs will have an important role to play in the new system.” She assured parents that the reforms would result in quicker access to support, reducing the need for lengthy battles to secure necessary resources. The new ISPs are intended to provide clearer guidelines and legal backing to ensure children receive the support they need without undue delay.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s assurances, there are apprehensions from opposition parties and parents regarding the potential impact of these reforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed concern that families may feel anxious about the reassessment process, stating that many parents already face significant challenges in obtaining support for their children. “We oppose any support being withdrawn,” she declared, highlighting the adversarial nature of the current system.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has successfully navigated the complexities of securing an EHCP, worry about the implications of the proposed changes. Luxford noted the lengthy struggle to obtain support and expressed a desire for assurances that existing rights would be preserved. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she cautioned.
Financial Pressures and Future Implications
The government’s plan to shift SEND costs from local councils to central funding by 2028 is anticipated to create a £6 billion financial burden. Recent analyses by the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicate that without significant reforms, the situation may worsen, with rising numbers of EHCPs and escalating costs failing to improve the quality of education for affected children.
With the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers widening, the government has committed to halving this disparity by the time children born during this Parliament complete their secondary education. This goal, alongside the SEND reforms, reflects the government’s intention to address long-standing inequalities within the education system.
Why it Matters
The forthcoming reforms to the SEND system represent a pivotal moment for countless families navigating the complexities of special educational needs. While the government’s commitment to increased funding and streamlined processes is a step in the right direction, the successful implementation of these changes will ultimately determine whether vulnerable children receive the support they deserve. The balance between reform and safeguarding existing rights will be crucial in shaping the future of educational equity in England.
