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Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are expressing deep concern over potential changes to the support system, as a recent survey indicates a significant lack of confidence in upcoming government reforms. The findings highlight the challenges many families face in securing adequate educational resources for their children, raising alarms about the future of support for those with additional needs.
A Struggle for Support
The SEND system currently allows parents to apply for an Education, Health and Care (EHCP) plan, which is crucial for accessing necessary assistance in nurseries, schools, and colleges. However, the government’s intention to reform this system has left many parents anxious about a possible reduction in services. According to a survey conducted by the disability charity Sense, nearly half of SEND parents fear that these changes will result in diminished support for their children.
Kimberly Hind, whose five-year-old son Harvey is deaf-blind, shared her harrowing experience navigating the system. The family waited over a year for Harvey’s EHCP, during which time he lost a place at a special school. Struggling to cope in a mainstream nursery ill-equipped to cater to his needs, Harvey’s distress escalated to the point where Kimberly had to leave her job to provide full-time care. This decision has placed financial strain on their family, which now relies solely on her husband’s income and her carer’s allowance.
The Impact of Delays
Harvey finally began attending a special school in September 2025 after receiving his EHCP in February. Kimberly described the entire process as “horrific,” expressing her lack of confidence in the education system’s ability to meet the needs of disabled children. “You can change anything by law,” she said, “but local authorities still won’t follow it. They don’t have the staff, the funding, or the training.”
The emotional toll on families is compounded by the stressful nature of securing the necessary support. The Sense survey revealed that 50 per cent of parents reported feeling anxious about the proposed reforms, with a similar percentage describing the process of obtaining support as overwhelming. This situation underscores the urgent need for a system that adequately addresses the complexities of each child’s requirements.
Growing Concerns Over Future Funding
James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of Sense, highlighted the alarming reality that many children are being overlooked by an underfunded SEND system. He noted that “too many are falling through the cracks,” jeopardising their happiness, wellbeing, and future prospects. The anxiety voiced by parents about forthcoming reforms reflects a broader fear that any legal rights currently in place may be further weakened or that funding could be cut, with potentially devastating consequences for vulnerable children.
In response to these concerns, Education Minister Georgia Gould has affirmed that there will always be a legal right to additional support for young people with SEND. A spokesperson from the Department for Education stated that the government is committed to reforming the system to restore parental trust and to ensure that support is available to those who need it most. They have promised to eliminate inconsistencies in access to services and to enhance parental rights, supported by significant financial investments in training and resources.
Why it Matters
The challenges faced by families navigating the SEND system highlight a critical intersection of policy, education, and personal struggle. As the government prepares to unveil its proposed reforms, the voices of parents like Kimberly Hind underscore the real-life implications of these changes. Ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the support they require is not merely a bureaucratic obligation; it is a moral imperative that shapes their future opportunities and quality of life. The urgency for effective and compassionate reform has never been more pronounced, as families continue to advocate for their children’s rights and needs.
