Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, is determined to reform the system for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England, but she faces significant hurdles in garnering trust from sceptical families and MPs. As she embarks on this ambitious reform, her ability to demonstrate tangible improvements will be critical to the success of her initiatives.
A Pivotal Meeting
During her initial week as a cabinet minister, Phillipson convened a meeting for newly elected Labour MPs focused solely on the SEND issue. This gathering attracted nearly 100 attendees, including those who had personal stakes in the system, such as Jen Craft and Daniel Francis, as well as other figures like then Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Many participants were acutely aware of the system’s deficiencies due to their prior experiences in the charity and disability sectors, while others felt the pressure from constituents who were voicing their concerns.
This meeting marked a turning point for Phillipson, who recognised that addressing SEND would be one of her most significant challenges in office. The education sector is rife with dissatisfaction, and the voices of concerned families are increasingly resonating in Westminster.
Learning from Past Experiences
Phillipson’s approach is informed by the lessons learned from previous legislative efforts, particularly the backlash following the welfare vote. Though some observers believe she could face a similar rebellion over SEND reforms, insiders assert that her most valuable insights came from the criticisms she endured during the passage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This legislation, which included significant changes to academy trusts, faced scrutiny from both the right-wing press and perplexed Labour MPs.
Despite surviving the ordeal, Phillipson and her team emerged with a clear understanding of the need for effective communication regarding the scope of the problems and the rationale behind proposed changes.
The Stakes of Reform
Labour’s initiative to reform SEND represents a high-risk endeavour that could reshape public service delivery on an unprecedented scale. Proponents within her inner circle argue that this level of reform is unparalleled among current cabinet ministers. However, the spectre of past rebellions looms large, and the government must navigate this terrain delicately.
When Liz Kendall previously outlined proposals related to SEND, she engaged MPs through detailed briefings, illustrating the rising costs and challenges associated with the current system using compelling data. In contrast, the recent spring statement revealed a struggle to balance the budget, raising concerns among MPs about whether the proposed changes were merely a guise for austerity rather than genuine reform.
Concerns remain that without upfront financial commitments, the reform agenda may falter. As one departmental source noted, “We have never set a target for reducing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), as our primary goal is to improve the system.”
Building Trust with Families
Despite a growing sense of goodwill from the parliamentary party, the success of the SEND reforms hinges on Phillipson’s ability to instil trust among parents. Many families are apprehensive about losing established legal channels to advocate for their children’s needs, relying solely on the promise of improved services. Skepticism abounds, particularly concerning whether schools will be equipped to provide adequate training for all teachers in SEND or successfully recruit specialised staff such as speech and language therapists.
The underlying fear is that parents may find themselves at the mercy of local authorities and schools, which have historically been perceived as untrustworthy due to past experiences. The real test for Phillipson will be to convince both parents and MPs that a better system is achievable, even in a challenging political environment.
Why it Matters
The impending reforms to the SEND system are not merely administrative changes; they represent a fundamental shift in how educational support is structured for vulnerable children. Success hinges on bridging the gap between government intentions and the lived realities of families. Trust must be fostered to ensure that parents feel secure in the commitment to a more effective system. As the landscape of special educational needs evolves, the stakes for both the government and affected families could not be higher. If Phillipson can navigate these complexities and deliver on her promises, it could lead to transformative outcomes for countless children across England.
