Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured Members of Parliament that the proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system are not driven by cost-cutting. As pressure mounts from within the Labour Party and advocacy groups, the government is intensifying its lobbying efforts to secure support for the changes.
Reforms Targeted at High-Needs Children
The government’s plans aim to raise the threshold for children in England to qualify for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). These plans are critical, providing legal entitlements for children with special educational needs to receive necessary support. Under the new proposals, only those with the most severe and complex needs would be eligible, a move that has alarmed parents and campaigners alike.
Concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact on families. Madeleine Cassidy, Chief Executive of IPSEA, a charity offering legal advice as part of the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign, warned that narrowing the legal framework could jeopardise decades of progress towards inclusion. “These rights are not optional – they are essential safeguards that enable families to secure the support their children need to access education and thrive,” she stressed.
Bridging the Trust Gap
In a bid to allay fears and build support, Phillipson has embarked on a year-long outreach programme, engaging with hundreds of Labour MPs. Despite her efforts, some within the party remain sceptical, fearing that a failure to adequately address concerns could lead to a parliamentary revolt against the measures, potentially jeopardising Keir Starmer’s leadership.
One Labour MP noted the significance of this initiative, remarking, “Everyone knows this is the most high-stakes political reform they’ve taken on since welfare.” To facilitate dialogue, the government has organised consultations, listening exercises with affected families, and provided MPs with guidance on hosting SEND roundtables.
Financial Pressures and Funding Challenges
While Phillipson has insisted that the reforms are not intended to save money, the reality is that soaring SEND costs have left local authorities grappling with £6 billion in debt. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has stated that she will assume full responsibility for these expenses, indicating a need for a financial overhaul.
Avnee Morjaria, co-author of a report from the Institute for Public Policy Research, highlighted that significant funding rebalancing will be necessary. “A reform of this scale will eventually need a serious rebalancing of funding from individuals to the school system so that children can access the support they need sooner and more efficiently,” she said, hinting at future implications for EHCP funding.
The Path Ahead
Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Select Committee, has called for the retention of existing legal rights within the new system, stressing the importance of adequate funding and accountability. As the demand for EHCPs has surged—rising from 3% in 2018 to over 5% today—the pressure on the government to deliver a robust and equitable system is mounting.
Antonia Bance, another Labour MP, expressed the uphill struggle of rebuilding trust with parents, many of whom are sceptical about the government’s ability to improve the system. “There is an absolute consensus that the current system is broken. We have to do something,” she asserted.
Why it Matters
The outcome of these reforms will profoundly affect the landscape of special educational needs support in England. As the government navigates the complexities of policy change, the stakes are high—not only for families reliant on these vital services but also for the political future of the Labour Party. With public trust hanging in the balance, the government’s ability to implement effective and inclusive changes will be critical in shaping the educational experiences of countless children with special needs.
