In a bold move to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is attempting to rally support from sceptical parents and Labour MPs alike. Despite initial backing from her party, Phillipson faces formidable obstacles as she seeks to gain the trust of families who have long struggled with a system they perceive as inadequate.
A Critical Meeting with MPs
During her inaugural week in office, Phillipson convened a meeting with nearly 100 Labour MPs focused exclusively on the pressing issues surrounding special educational needs. This assembly included new MPs who had personal stakes in the matter, such as Jen Craft, Daniel Francis, and Steve Race, as well as Jonathan Reynolds, the former business secretary. Many were acutely aware of the strains within the system due to their previous roles in charities, unions, and the disability sector.
The meeting, held in July 2024, was pivotal for Phillipson, who later conveyed to colleagues that reforming the SEND system would be her greatest challenge. The education secretary’s awareness of the urgency of the situation was underscored by the flood of emails from constituents expressing their concerns.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Phillipson’s journey thus far has not been without its trials. Following the backlash she faced over her initial legislative effort—the children’s wellbeing and schools bill—she has come to recognise the importance of clear communication. The bill, which included significant changes to academy trusts, was met with confusion and criticism from both the media and her own party members. While the bill ultimately passed, it left Phillipson and her team reeling, highlighting the necessity of effectively conveying the rationale behind proposed changes.
This experience has informed her approach to the SEND reforms, as she aims to avoid the pitfalls that resulted in a rebellion among MPs during discussions regarding welfare changes. The concerns raised during these welfare discussions have created a sense of unease among MPs, many of whom are wary that the proposed SEND reforms may also be perceived as mere cost-cutting measures rather than meaningful improvements.
Building Bridges with Stakeholders
To foster goodwill and build a coalition of support, Phillipson has engaged with various factions within the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). Notably, she met with the Socialist Campaign Group, led by John McDonnell, as well as the more centrist Tribune Group, to ensure that differing perspectives are heard. Additionally, her new schools minister, Georgia Gould, has conducted extensive outreach, engaging with around 8,000 individuals, including parents and special needs charities, to facilitate a more comprehensive dialogue about the proposed reforms.
Despite these efforts to garner support, doubts linger. While many MPs feel their concerns have been acknowledged, there is apprehension about undisclosed challenges that may arise from the white paper outlining the reforms.
The Trust Deficit
At the heart of the reform effort lies a significant issue: trust. Phillipson’s ability to convince parents that they will receive better provisions without needing to navigate a cumbersome legal system is crucial to the initiative’s success. Many parents, disillusioned by their past experiences, remain sceptical that the promised improvements will materialise, even with an additional £4 billion earmarked for funding.
Concerns persist regarding the adequacy of training for teachers in SEND and the recruitment of specialists in speech and language therapy. Parents fear that if their only recourse is to appeal to schools and local authorities, they may not receive fair treatment—a sentiment rooted in painful previous encounters with the system.
Why it Matters
The outcome of Phillipson’s ambitious reforms could have far-reaching implications for families across England. A successful overhaul of the SEND system has the potential to improve educational outcomes for countless children, providing them with the support they need to thrive. However, without restoring trust among parents and ensuring that the promised changes are genuinely implemented, the initiative risks falling short of its lofty goals. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the stakes for vulnerable children and their families have never been higher.
