The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has sought to reassure parents that the government will not withdraw essential support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the face of upcoming school reforms. As part of an initiative to revamp the educational framework in England, Phillipson declared that the government intends to increase, not decrease, funding for SEND provisions.
Planned Reforms and Funding Commitments
Speaking on the BBC, Phillipson emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing support for children with SEND, highlighting that a White Paper detailing these reforms will be released shortly. She confirmed that the government recognises the existing SEND system faces significant challenges, stating, “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children.”
The anticipated reforms, which will come into effect from 2029, include a reassessment process for children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) as they transition to secondary school. This change aims to ensure that children’s needs are regularly evaluated, a practice that Phillipson admitted is not consistently adhered to under the current system.
Individual Support Plans: A New Legal Framework
Central to the upcoming changes is the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children identified with SEND. These plans will provide a legal basis for support, effectively extending rights to children who do not currently possess an EHCP. Phillipson assured parents that these new ISPs would expedite the support process, stating, “They’ll receive it when they need it and where they need it. Parents won’t have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP.”
Moreover, she indicated that, although EHCPs will remain integral to the new system, the transition will occur over the next decade to ensure a careful and considered implementation.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the reassurances from the government, concerns have arisen from various quarters. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed unease regarding the proposed reassessment process, suggesting that many parents might find the prospect of reassessment daunting. Trott articulated that the current system already presents challenges, remarking, “Too many parents have had to fight for the support.”
Parents like Hannah Luxford, who endured a lengthy process to secure an EHCP for her son, share similar sentiments. Luxford described the existing system as “unhelpful, adversarial, and complex,” fearing that any changes could reverse the progress her son has made at his current school.
Financial Pressures and Future Implications
The government faces mounting pressure related to the rising costs of SEND provisions, with an estimated £6 billion financial burden projected as the responsibility for SEND costs shifts from local councils to central government in 2028. Experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have warned that the current system, characterized by increasing EHCP numbers and costs without improved outcomes, is unsustainable.
As the government lays the groundwork for these reforms, it aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers by the time children born during this parliamentary term complete secondary school. The latest data indicates that the gap has widened post-pandemic, reaching its highest level in a decade.
Why it Matters
The proposed reforms to SEND provisions represent a critical juncture in how educational support is structured in England. While the government’s assurances aim to alleviate parental concerns, the effectiveness of these changes will hinge on their implementation and the government’s ability to manage financial pressures without compromising the quality of support. The outcome of these reforms will significantly impact not only the lives of children with SEND but also the broader educational landscape, determining how inclusivity and support are defined in the years to come.
