The Education Secretary has assured parents that the government will not reduce vital support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as part of its upcoming reforms. Bridget Phillipson emphasised that more funding will be allocated, not less, to enhance the support framework amidst rising concerns about the SEND system’s efficacy.
Reassessments and New Plans for SEND Support
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson confirmed that the government’s planned overhaul of the SEND system involves a comprehensive review of children’s needs as they transition to secondary school. This initiative comes against a backdrop of leaks suggesting that children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessment starting in 2029.
The government is slated to release a White Paper outlining these reforms on Monday. Many parents are anxiously awaiting the details, fearing that their children’s support may be compromised. The document is expected to address these concerns and clarify how the government plans to manage the rising costs associated with SEND provisions.
A Fresh Approach to Support
The proposed reforms include the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which will ensure that all children identified with special educational needs receive tailored support. Unlike the current system, these ISPs will carry legal weight, providing clearer guidelines for support entitlements.
Phillipson stated, “EHCPs will have an important role to play in the new system,” promising that under the revamped approach, more children will receive timely assistance without parents needing to struggle for it. She highlighted the intention to create a supportive framework that operates more effectively than the existing one, which has faced criticism for being cumbersome and adversarial.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
While the government pushes forward with these reforms, opposition voices have expressed reservations. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott raised concerns about the potential impact on families, stating that many parents have had to fight for the support their children need. The idea of reassessment could be perceived as daunting for those already navigating a complex system.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, who experienced significant delays in obtaining an EHCP for her son, have voiced their worries. Luxford’s son currently thrives in a funded virtual school, but she fears that any changes could reverse the progress made and strip away the rights currently afforded to her child.
Financial Pressures and Future Goals
The government has also announced plans to assume responsibility for SEND costs currently borne by local councils by 2028. This shift is projected to introduce financial pressures amounting to £6 billion. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has identified three potential strategies for addressing these challenges: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to curtail SEND expenditure growth, or making cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS noted that the current system is characterised by conflict and inconsistency, leaving many children without the quality support they desperately need. The government aims to tackle the disparity in educational attainment, pledging to halve the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of this parliamentary cycle. Recent data indicates a widening attainment gap, highlighting the urgency of these reforms.
Why it Matters
The government’s commitment to reforming the SEND system is crucial not only for the children who rely on these services but also for the families navigating bureaucratic challenges. With a crisis in SEND funding and support structures, the proposed changes aim to create a more equitable and efficient system. However, the success of these reforms will depend on their implementation and the extent to which they genuinely improve access to support for all children in need. The stakes are high, and many will be watching closely to see if the government’s promises translate into meaningful change.
