In a recent announcement, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reassured parents that the government will not withdraw vital support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as part of its forthcoming educational reforms in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson stated that funding for SEND would actually increase, despite widespread concerns regarding the potential implications of the planned changes. A White Paper detailing these proposed reforms is set to be released on Monday, eliciting considerable interest from families who are apprehensive about the future of their children’s support.
Reassessing SEND Support Structures
The impending White Paper is expected to clarify the government’s strategy for addressing the challenges faced by the SEND system, which many consider to be in crisis due to escalating costs and complexity. Recent leaks indicated that children currently registered under education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessments as they transition to secondary education starting in 2029. This move is part of a broader effort to introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, ensuring a legal framework for support, even for those without EHCPs.
Phillipson emphasised that the new ISPs will be legally grounded, aimed at streamlining access to support. “EHCPs will have an important role to play in the new system,” she stated, adding that the reforms would ensure swifter access to necessary support. “Parents won’t have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP,” she assured.
Concerns from Parents and Politicians
While the government maintains that these changes will enhance support for SEND students, concerns persist among parents and opposition parties. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott voiced apprehension regarding the reassessment process, highlighting the struggles many families face to secure adequate support for their children. Trott’s worries echo those of numerous parents, such as Hannah Luxford, who recounted her lengthy journey to obtain an EHCP for her son. Luxford described the current system as “adversarial” and expressed her fears that existing protections could be compromised in the proposed reforms.
The potential backlash from Labour MPs is a consideration for the government, particularly since their support will be crucial for the reforms to advance in Parliament.
Financial Pressures and Systemic Challenges
The government’s decision to assume financial responsibility for SEND costs currently borne by local councils, slated for 2028, raises questions about sustainability. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has projected a £6 billion pressure on the education budget, presenting three potential avenues for addressing this: increasing funding, implementing reforms to control the growth of SEND expenditure, or enacting cuts. Luke Sibieta from the IFS remarked on the troubling status quo, noting that rising numbers of EHCPs and costs have not translated into improved outcomes for children. “Unfortunately, we still have a system that is characterised by conflict, by fight, but also by really patchy levels of quality,” he observed.
In addition to SEND reforms, the government is also committed to halving the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this Parliament complete secondary school. Recent statistics revealed that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students reached a decade-high of 3.94 in the 2022-2023 academic year, following a widening trend post-pandemic.
Why it Matters
The government’s commitment to maintaining and expanding support for children with special educational needs is critical as it navigates a complex landscape of educational reform. With rising costs and increasing demand for SEND services, the proposed changes could either enhance or hinder the quality of support available. Parents and educators alike are watching closely, knowing that the success of these reforms will significantly impact the lives of many children and their families. As the White Paper is unveiled, the government’s approach will be scrutinised, and its ability to deliver on promises made will be pivotal in shaping the future of SEND education in England.
