The UK government has assured parents that essential support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will not be diminished as part of forthcoming educational reforms. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has stated that the government plans to increase funding, rather than cut it, as it seeks to transform the current SEND system, which many believe is under significant strain.
Planned Reforms and Funding Commitments
In a recent interview, Phillipson reaffirmed the commitment to providing effective support for SEND children while unveiling plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the existing system. “We are not going to be taking away effective support for children,” she asserted, emphasising the government’s intention to allocate more resources towards these vital services.
The anticipated White Paper, set to be released on Monday, is expected to detail the proposed changes that have sparked concern among parents regarding the future of their children’s support. Reports suggest that children currently holding education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessments when transitioning to secondary school starting in 2029. This change will coincide with a broader initiative to establish Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, which will possess some legal standing, thereby offering additional security and clarity.
Transitioning to a New System
Phillipson highlighted that the new ISPs would not replace EHCPs but instead enhance the support framework already in place. “EHCPs will have an important role to play in the new system,” she noted, promising that children will receive support more swiftly and efficiently. This is crucial, as parents have often faced arduous battles to secure necessary assistance through EHCPs.
The Education Secretary acknowledged the need for regular assessments of children’s needs, which she stated should already be occurring annually. “That should be happening at the moment,” Phillipson commented, pointing out the inadequacies in the current system where annual reviews are not consistently conducted.
Parental Concerns and Political Opposition
Despite the government’s assurances, there is palpable anxiety among parents and opposition parties regarding the proposed reforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed reservations, arguing that the reassessment process could be intimidating for families already struggling to secure support. “We oppose any support being withdrawn,” she stated, echoing concerns that many parents feel under pressure to fight for their children’s rights.
The experiences of parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has successfully navigated the complexities of the SEND system after a protracted wait for an EHCP, highlight the challenges still faced. Luxford described the existing system as “unhelpful, adversarial, complex,” and feared the new reforms could jeopardise her son’s current educational support.
Financial Pressures and Future Strategies
As these reforms are proposed, the government is also grappling with escalating costs associated with the SEND system. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned of a potential £6 billion strain on budgets as councils will no longer cover SEND-related expenses starting in 2028. The government faces a critical choice: either increase funding, implement reforms to slow spending, or make cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS characterised the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” with rising EHCP numbers and costs failing to translate into improved outcomes for children. The ongoing conflict and discrepancies in the quality of services underscore the urgent need for effective reform.
Additionally, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of the current parliamentary term. This ambitious target reflects a broader commitment to equitable education, as recent GCSE results reveal a concerning widening of the disadvantage gap.
Why it Matters
The proposed changes to the SEND system are of paramount importance, not only for the immediate future of countless children but also for the integrity of educational support across the country. Ensuring that children with SEND receive the necessary aid in a timely and efficient manner can significantly impact their educational journeys and overall well-being. As the government navigates these reforms, it must balance the need for fiscal responsibility with the essential rights of children and families. The outcome of this initiative will likely shape the landscape of educational support for years to come, making it crucial for all stakeholders to engage in the process and advocate for sustained, effective support.
