In a recent statement, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reassured parents that the government will not withdraw vital support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as part of its upcoming reforms. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson emphasised the government’s commitment to increasing funding for SEND services, countering fears that the proposed changes could limit support for vulnerable children.
Overview of SEND Reforms
The anticipated White Paper, set to be released on Monday, outlines significant alterations to the SEND support framework in England. These reforms come in response to longstanding concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of the current system, which many critics argue is in crisis due to rising costs and inefficiencies. The reforms are particularly crucial as they will affect how children transitioning to secondary school are assessed, with a particular focus on their educational, health, and care plans (EHCPs).
Funding and Legal Framework Changes
Phillipson confirmed that the government is poised to allocate more resources to SEND services. She stated, “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support. But they’ll receive it more quickly. They’ll receive it when they need it and where they need it.” This shift aims to alleviate the burden on parents who often find themselves navigating a convoluted system to secure necessary support for their children.
The new reforms will introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children identified with SEND, including those without existing EHCPs. These plans will hold legal weight, providing clearer guidelines for schools and parents. Phillipson articulated that these changes are designed to ensure that support is not only available but also accessible, stating, “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children.”
Concerns and Opposition
Despite the positive rhetoric from the government, opposition voices have raised significant concerns regarding the potential ramifications of these reforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed apprehension that the reassessment process could lead to anxiety among parents and children alike. “Too many parents have had to fight for the support, and the idea that they’re going to be reassessed will be genuinely frightening,” she remarked.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has successfully navigated the EHCP process, also voiced worries about the implications of the reforms. Luxford described the current system as “unhelpful, adversarial, complex” and expressed fears that any changes could undermine the legal protections their children currently enjoy. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she cautioned.
Financial Pressures on the SEND System
As the government prepares to implement these reforms, financial sustainability remains a pressing issue. Starting in 2028, the government will assume responsibility for SEND costs previously covered by local councils, a move projected to create a £6 billion financial strain. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has outlined three potential routes for the government: increasing education funding, reforming the SEND system to control costs, or resorting to budget cuts.
While the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers by the end of this parliamentary term, experts like Luke Sibieta from the IFS highlight the complexities of the situation. Sibieta pointed out that the current system is marked by rising numbers of EHCPs and escalating costs without a corresponding improvement in quality for children, resulting in a “worst of all worlds” scenario.
Why it Matters
The government’s proposed reforms to the SEND system are poised to reshape how support is provided to some of the most vulnerable children in society. With increasing financial pressures and concerns about the adequacy of existing provisions, these changes could have far-reaching implications for families, educators, and the broader educational landscape. As the government seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the urgent needs of children requiring support, the success of these reforms will depend heavily on ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of a fair and effective educational framework.
