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The UK government has pledged to maintain and enhance support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it prepares to unveil significant reforms to the education system in England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed during a recent interview that the government intends to increase funding rather than reduce it, aiming to address the ongoing challenges within the SEND framework.
Government’s Commitment to SEND Support
Phillipson reassured parents that effective support systems will not be dismantled, despite concerns about potential limitations arising from the proposed changes. She highlighted that the forthcoming White Paper, which will detail the government’s reform strategy, aims to ensure that children with SEND receive the necessary assistance more swiftly and efficiently.
“Under the new system, more children will receive support. They’ll receive it more quickly, when they need it and where they need it,” Phillipson stated. This assertion comes as parents express anxiety over the implications of the reforms on their children’s rights and support systems.
Proposed Changes to SEND Assessment
The anticipated reforms are expected to introduce a reassessment of children’s needs as they transition from primary to secondary education starting in 2029. Leaked details suggest that children currently holding education, health and care plans (EHCPs)—which outline their entitlements to additional support—will undergo this reassessment, a move that has raised alarm among many parents.
In a bid to expand support, the government plans to introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children identified with SEND, even those who do not possess an EHCP. These ISPs will carry a legal status, ensuring that schools are accountable for meeting the needs of all students with SEND.
Phillipson emphasized that while EHCPs will continue to play a crucial role, the new ISPs will provide clearer pathways for support. “There are clear routes and clear principles set out in statute that will guide all of this,” she explained.
Concerns from the Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s assurances, opposition parties have voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed reforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed her apprehensions, stating that many parents have historically battled for their children’s support, and the prospect of reassessments could be unsettling.
For parents like Hannah Luxford, who faced an arduous 18-month struggle to secure an EHCP for her son, the reforms provoke anxiety about the security of existing support. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” Luxford warned, reflecting widespread fears among families reliant on SEND provisions.
Financial Pressures and Systemic Challenges
The government’s decision to shift the financial responsibility for SEND costs from local councils to central government by 2028 is projected to create a £6 billion fiscal strain. This initiative reflects the broader challenges facing the SEND system, which has been described as being in crisis due to rising costs and an increase in the number of EHCPs without a corresponding improvement in quality.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has identified three potential paths for the government: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to mitigate the growth of SEND expenditures, or making cuts. The current state of affairs has led to a “worst of all worlds” scenario, according to Luke Sibieta of the IFS, characterised by ongoing conflict and inconsistent quality of support.
Addressing the Attainment Gap
In addition to SEND reforms, the government is also setting ambitious targets to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of this parliamentary term. This strategy will involve a re-evaluation of how schools allocate funding to support students from lower-income backgrounds. Recent statistics highlight that the attainment gap index for Year 11 students has widened significantly post-pandemic, underscoring the need for targeted intervention.
Why it Matters
The proposed SEND reforms are critical not only for the immediate welfare of children with special educational needs but also for the broader educational landscape in England. As the government navigates the complexities of these changes, it is essential that they strike a balance between financial sustainability and the rights of vulnerable students. Parents, educators, and policymakers must engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the support systems in place genuinely meet the needs of all children, fostering an inclusive educational environment that prioritises their rights and well-being.
