The Education Secretary has reassured parents that the government will not diminish “effective support” for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in light of upcoming reforms. Bridget Phillipson stated that rather than cutting funding, the government intends to increase financial support as it seeks to overhaul the current system, which many critics argue is in crisis.
Funding Commitment to SEND
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that the reforms would involve “spending more money” to enhance the support available for children with SEND. This follows growing concerns among parents regarding potential reductions in assistance as changes are implemented. The details of the proposed reforms will be laid out in a White Paper set to be released on Monday, with many parents anxiously awaiting information on how these changes might affect the support their children currently receive.
Amidst mounting pressures from the rising costs associated with the SEND system, which has been described as unsustainable, the government is moving forward with a plan that includes reassessing children as they transition to secondary school. Leaked information suggests that children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reviews after primary school starting in 2029. These assessments will run alongside a new initiative that aims to ensure all children with SEND receive Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which will carry legal weight.
Changes to EHCPs and Legal Protections
Phillipson asserted that while EHCPs will remain a crucial element of the new framework, the introduction of ISPs will provide a clearer and more immediate pathway to support. She stated, “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support… They’ll receive it more quickly.” This promise of expedited assistance aims to alleviate the lengthy struggles many parents face in securing necessary support for their children.
However, critics have voiced concerns about the implications of reassessing existing support structures. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed her apprehension, stating that numerous parents have already faced significant challenges in obtaining help for their children, and the prospect of reassessment may be alarming.
Hannah Luxford, a concerned parent whose son has anxiety, described the current system as “unhelpful, adversarial, and complex.” Luxford recounted her arduous 18-month journey to secure an EHCP, and while she is pleased with her son’s current educational setting, she fears that the new reforms could undermine the protections currently afforded to him.
Potential Political Backlash
The proposed changes could elicit a backlash from Labour MPs, whose support may be essential for the reforms to pass through Parliament. The government plans to shift the burden of SEND costs from local councils to central government by 2028, a move projected to create an additional £6 billion pressure on the budget.
According to analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the government faces three options to manage this financial strain: increasing education funding, reforming the SEND system to curb spending growth, or implementing budget cuts. Luke Sibieta from the IFS described the situation as “the worst of all worlds,” highlighting the growing number of EHCPs and rising costs without corresponding improvements in service quality.
Addressing Educational Disparities
Alongside the SEND reforms, the government has also announced plans to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this parliamentary session complete secondary school. This initiative will involve revising how funding is allocated to schools for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The latest GCSE results indicate that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students is currently at its highest in a decade, underscoring the urgency of these proposed changes.
Why it Matters
The government’s commitment to reforming SEND support is a critical issue that affects thousands of families across the country. As the proposals are set to reshape the landscape of educational assistance, the emphasis on maintaining and improving support will be closely scrutinised. Parents and educators alike are watching to see if these changes will lead to a more efficient system that genuinely meets the needs of children with SEND, rather than perpetuating the struggles that have characterised the current framework. The stakes are high, and the outcome will significantly impact the future of many vulnerable children.
