In a significant development for the education sector, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured parents that the government will not withdraw effective support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it embarks on a major overhaul of the school system in England. Addressing concerns raised by parents and stakeholders, Phillipson emphasised that funding for SEND will increase rather than diminish, amidst rising pressures on the existing framework.
Overview of Proposed Changes
The upcoming White Paper, set to be unveiled on Monday, is poised to outline the government’s detailed proposals for reforming SEND provision. This announcement comes at a critical time, as families have expressed anxiety over potential limitations to the support their children currently receive. Leaked information regarding the reforms indicates that reassessments of children’s education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will be implemented as students transition from primary to secondary education, a move that has sparked debate about its implications.
Phillipson stated that these reforms aim to ensure that children’s needs are regularly reviewed, aligning with the existing requirement for annual EHCP assessments. However, she acknowledged that this has not been consistently adhered to in practice, with many families facing significant delays in receiving necessary support.
Legal Framework and Individual Support Plans
A key feature of the proposed reforms is the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children identified as having SEND, even those who do not currently have an EHCP. According to Phillipson, these ISPs will have a legal standing, providing a clearer framework and accountability for schools in delivering support. The Education Secretary reassured parents that under the new structure, children will receive timely assistance without the burden of lengthy battles often associated with EHCP applications.
“We are not going to be taking away effective support from children,” Phillipson stated during an appearance on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. She further asserted that the reforms will facilitate a smoother process for families seeking support, thereby reducing the adversarial nature of the current system.
Concerns from Opposition and Families
Despite the government’s assurances, opposition from the Conservative Party is evident, with Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressing deep reservations about the proposed changes. Trott highlighted that many parents have had to navigate a complex and challenging landscape to secure support for their children, and the prospect of reassessments could be distressing for families already relying on existing provisions.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has thrived under an EHCP, have voiced their concerns about potential changes to legal rights. Luxford described the current system as adversarial and challenging, stressing the importance of clear protections for those already benefitting from EHCPs, fearing regression to previous difficulties.
Financial Implications and Future Pressure
The government’s decision to take over SEND funding from local councils by 2028 is anticipated to exacerbate financial pressures, with estimates suggesting a £6 billion strain on the education budget. Recent analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) indicates that the rising number of EHCPs, coupled with an increase in costs, has not translated into improved outcomes for children. Luke Sibieta from the IFS noted, “Unfortunately, we still have a system that is characterised by conflict, by fight, but also by really patchy levels of quality.”
In tandem with SEND reforms, the government is also striving to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of this Parliament. Recent GCSE results have shown a widening gap, prompting a reassessment of how schools allocate funding to support disadvantaged students.
Why it Matters
These reforms represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of SEND support within the English education system, with the potential to reshape how children with special needs are educated and supported. As the government seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the imperative of providing quality education for all, the effectiveness of these changes will hinge on their implementation. The outcome of this reform will not only affect the lives of countless families but also set a precedent for how educational needs are addressed in the future. The stakes are high, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the promised improvements materialise or if the fears of families are realised.
