The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has pledged that the government will not reduce “effective support” for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it embarks on a significant overhaul of the educational framework in England. In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that funding for SEND provisions will increase rather than decrease, addressing concerns from parents and advocacy groups about potential limitations to vital support services.
Proposed Changes to SEND Support
The government’s forthcoming White Paper, set to be released on Monday, outlines plans to reform SEND provision, a system currently under strain due to rising costs and increasing demand. Phillipson noted that every child identified as having special educational needs will have an Individual Support Plan (ISP), which will carry a legal status. This initiative aims to ensure that children receive timely and appropriate assistance tailored to their needs, particularly as they transition from primary to secondary education.
Critics have expressed apprehension regarding proposals that include periodic reassessments of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) after they complete primary school, a move expected to commence in 2029. While the government argues that these changes will streamline support and reduce the burden on parents, such measures have ignited fears among families about the potential loss of existing entitlements.
Challenges and Parental Concerns
The current SEND system has drawn criticism for its complexity and adversarial nature, compelling many parents to engage in lengthy battles to secure necessary support for their children. Hannah Luxford, a parent whose son has thrived at a funded virtual school after receiving an EHCP, voiced her concerns about the future of such support under the proposed reforms. “I want to hear that for those of us already with EHCPs that we are protected,” she stated, highlighting the anxiety felt by many families about the stability of their children’s support.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott echoed these sentiments, indicating that the Conservative Party shares significant concerns regarding the government’s plans. Trott pointed out that many parents have had to navigate a system that requires relentless advocacy for their children’s needs, and the thought of reassessments adds an additional layer of uncertainty.
Financial Implications and Systemic Pressures
The government’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden associated with SEND provisions have led to a shift in responsibility for funding, which is set to transition from local councils to central government by 2028. However, this strategy is forecasted to impose a £6 billion strain on the national budget. According to recent analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), the government’s approach may result in increased educational funding demands, necessary reforms to manage SEND expenditure growth, or potential cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS remarked that the current situation represents a “worst of all worlds,” with a surge in EHCP numbers and costs without an accompanying improvement in quality. This reality underscores the urgent need for systemic reform that prioritises effective support for children while managing the financial pressures facing the education sector.
Addressing Educational Disparities
In conjunction with SEND reforms, the government has set an ambitious target to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during the current parliamentary term complete secondary school. This initiative aims to tackle the widening educational disparities that have become more pronounced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent GCSE results indicate that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 pupils has reached its highest level in a decade, highlighting the critical need for targeted interventions.
Why it Matters
The proposed reforms to SEND support in England have far-reaching implications for families, educators, and the educational system as a whole. As the government seeks to balance financial sustainability with the imperative of providing effective support, the success of these initiatives will depend on transparent communication and genuine collaboration with stakeholders. Ensuring that vulnerable children receive the assistance they need is not only a moral obligation but a vital aspect of fostering an equitable education system that empowers all learners to thrive.
