In a significant announcement, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has reassured parents that the government will not withdraw “effective support” for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as part of upcoming educational reforms in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson emphasised the government’s commitment to increasing funding for SEND provisions, despite ongoing concerns regarding the system’s sustainability.
Key Details of the Proposed Reforms
The anticipated White Paper, set to be unveiled on Monday, will detail the government’s proposed changes to SEND support. These changes come as the government grapples with a SEND system widely regarded as under strain due to rising costs and increasing demand. Recent leaks suggest that children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessments upon transitioning to secondary school starting in 2029.
Under the new framework, all children identified as having SEND will benefit from Individual Support Plans (ISPs) drafted by schools, which will carry legal weight. Phillipson has assured that while EHCPs will remain integral to the new system, ISPs will enhance access to timely support.
A Commitment to Timeliness and Access
Phillipson articulated her vision for a more efficient system, stating, “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support… more quickly.” She acknowledged the current inadequacies in the system, noting that annual reviews of EHCPs are not consistently conducted as required. This highlights a critical gap in the existing framework.
When questioned about potential reductions in support, Phillipson firmly stated, “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children.” Instead, she outlined a ten-year transition period aimed at overhauling a system that has long been seen as failing.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s assurances, there is notable apprehension, particularly from opposition figures such as Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott. Trott raised concerns that the prospect of reassessment could be alarming for many parents, who are already battling for adequate support for their children.
Real-life testimonies underscore these fears. Hannah Luxford, a parent of a teenager with anxiety, recounted her struggle to secure an EHCP, which took 18 months. Reflecting on her son’s current success in a funded virtual school, she expressed anxiety about the potential implications of the new reforms on his legal rights. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she warned.
Financial Implications and Future Strategies
The government’s plans also include a significant financial shift, with SEND costs currently borne by local councils expected to be covered by central government by 2028. This change is projected to create a £6 billion pressure on the education budget. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has outlined three potential strategies for addressing this financial burden: increasing education funding, reforming spending, or implementing cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS commented on the current state of the SEND system, describing it as characterised by conflict and inconsistency in quality. He noted that the rising numbers of EHCPs indicate a system overwhelmed and unable to deliver improved outcomes for children.
A Broader Educational Agenda
Alongside SEND reforms, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this parliamentary term complete secondary school. Achieving this goal will require a strategic overhaul of how funding is allocated to schools, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Recent data indicates that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students has widened in the aftermath of the pandemic, signalling a pressing need for focused interventions.
Why it Matters
The forthcoming reforms to the SEND system represent a pivotal moment for countless families across England. While the government asserts its commitment to enhancing support, the efficacy of these changes will hinge on their implementation and the safeguarding of existing rights for those already receiving assistance. As parents remain wary of the potential repercussions, the true success of the proposed reforms will depend on balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative to ensure equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their needs.
