As the UK government prepares to unveil a comprehensive strategy for reforming the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, a palpable tension hangs in the air. With rising demands and a noticeable lack of trust from parents, ministers are acutely aware that any misstep could have dire consequences for the vulnerable children and families relying on this critical support.
A System in Crisis
The SEND framework has become increasingly strained, with nearly one in five children in England now requiring some form of support. Parents encounter a labyrinthine system often riddled with delays and inadequate provision, which in many instances leads to protracted legal disputes over entitlements. The Office for Budget Responsibility has issued stark warnings, predicting that by 2028-29, expenditure on SEND will more than double in real terms from 2015-16 levels. Local councils are already grappling with alarming debts as they struggle to meet the ballooning costs of support, raising fears of a “total system collapse.”
The urgency for reform is undeniable. Yet the government’s approach has been marked by caution. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reportedly ready to “grasp the nettle,” driven by the imperative to deliver essential support to children. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, especially given the prime minister’s recent struggles to assert authority within his party.
A Delicate Balancing Act
The government’s strategy appears to favour a shift towards inclusive mainstream education, where children with SEND would receive necessary support in local schools, while specialist institutions would cater to those with more complex needs. However, the question of adequate resources remains a pressing concern. The OBR has forecast a £6 billion shortfall in SEND funding by 2028-29, prompting calls from various stakeholders, including teaching unions and the all-party parliamentary group on SEND, for increased school funding.
In December, the government allocated £3 billion aimed at increasing SEND placements in mainstream schools, followed by £200 million for training teachers and £1 billion to adapt school facilities. Additionally, there are plans to alleviate councils’ financial burdens by clearing £5 billion of existing debts, signalling an intent to take a more hands-on approach to SEND funding by 2028.
Despite these gestures, scepticism remains. One Labour MP expressed cautious optimism, noting that while initial steps appear promising, the broader strategy still needs to be unveiled and scrutinised.
The Future of Education Health and Care Plans
A significant flashpoint in the forthcoming reforms is the fate of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). These legal documents are pivotal in ensuring children receive the support they are entitled to. Official statistics reveal that the demand for EHCPs has surged by an astonishing 166% from 2015 to 2025, rising from 240,000 to 639,000.
There is a faction within parliament advocating for early support in mainstream settings, which could mitigate the need for EHCPs, thus reducing the confrontational nature of securing assistance. However, parents remain wary that any changes could erode their legal rights, leading to active campaigns such as “Save Our Children’s Rights.” One backbencher warned that if parents perceive a reduction in their rights, it could spell disaster for the government’s reform agenda.
While the government has asserted that existing support and legal entitlements will remain intact, it has not categorically ruled out future adjustments. This ambiguity has only deepened the trust deficit, with many parents feeling let down by a system that has historically failed to meet their needs.
Navigating Political Minefields
The complexity of these reforms is compounded by the political landscape. All parties in Westminster acknowledge the necessity for SEND reform, yet the Conservatives and the Green Party have yet to articulate specific proposals. The Liberal Democrats have advocated for a “fair funding system,” while Reform UK is developing its own policies, suggesting some parents might be “abusing the system.”
The government faces the formidable task of enacting reforms robust enough to alleviate the mounting pressures on the SEND system without alienating the very families it aims to support or inciting backlash from its own ranks.
Why it Matters
The reform of the SEND system represents a critical juncture for the government. It’s not merely about policy adjustments; it’s about restoring faith in a system that has let down countless families. With the stakes at an all-time high, the government’s ability to navigate this labyrinth of expectations, fears, and fiscal constraints will determine not only the future of SEND support but also the broader trust in governmental authority. A miscalculation could have lasting repercussions, reinforcing public cynicism and further entrenching the divide between the state and the families it serves.
