In a bid to reassure parents and guardians, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has confirmed that the government will not withdraw essential support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as part of its upcoming reforms. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that the initiative aims to enhance funding and streamline support processes for SEND children, despite concerns expressed by families regarding potential limitations on assistance.
Reforms and Financial Commitment
Phillipson outlined the government’s intentions to increase financial support for SEND, countering fears that the reforms might unintentionally restrict access to necessary services. The forthcoming White Paper, expected to be unveiled on Monday, is anticipated to provide comprehensive details about the planned changes, which have been a subject of significant scrutiny by concerned parents.
The reforms arise in the context of escalating costs associated with the SEND system, which many experts deem to be in a state of crisis. Leaked information suggests that children currently holding education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) may undergo reassessments when transitioning to secondary school, starting in 2029. This process will coincide with the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, designed to ensure they receive tailored support, regardless of whether they possess an EHCP.
Key Features of the Proposed Changes
Phillipson reassured parents that EHCPs would continue to play a critical role within the new framework. 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 and where they need it.” The introduction of legally robust ISPs aims to clarify the support available to children, establishing straightforward pathways for securing assistance.
When questioned about the potential loss of support for existing recipients, Phillipson firmly stated, “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children.” She acknowledged the need for annual reviews of EHCPs, which are often neglected, further complicating the support landscape for families.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s assurances, there remain apprehensions among opposition parties and advocates for SEND children. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed significant concern, stating that many parents currently face substantial challenges in accessing support. The prospect of reassessment for children who already receive assistance is particularly alarming for families who have fought long and hard for their children’s rights.
Personal accounts highlight the complexities of navigating the current system. For instance, Hannah Luxford, whose son has anxiety, described a lengthy and arduous process to secure an EHCP, labelling the system as adversarial and overly complicated. While her son is now thriving at a virtual school, she fears for the security of his educational rights under the new proposals, stressing the importance of maintaining the support he currently receives.
Financial Pressures and Future Implications
The government is also confronting substantial financial challenges, with plans to transfer the burden of SEND costs from local councils to central government by 2028. This move is projected to create an additional financial strain of £6 billion. Experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have highlighted three potential strategies for addressing this pressure: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to manage the growth of SEND expenses, or making cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS described the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” citing increasing numbers of EHCPs and rising costs without an improvement in the quality of support provided to children. He emphasised the need for a system that minimises conflict and ensures consistent quality across the board.
The government’s reforms also include a commitment to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this Parliament complete secondary school. This initiative aims to reform how schools allocate funding to support disadvantaged students, as recent GCSE results indicate a widening gap in academic performance.
Why it Matters
The proposed reforms to the SEND system represent a pivotal moment for countless families navigating the complexities of educational support. While the government’s assurances may offer some comfort, the success of these reforms will ultimately hinge on their implementation and the extent to which they genuinely improve access to necessary services. The ongoing dialogue between the government, educational authorities, and families will be crucial in shaping a system that truly meets the diverse needs of all children, ensuring that no child is left behind in their pursuit of a quality education.
