In a bid to quell concerns over potential cuts to support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has reassured parents that the government will not withdraw “effective support” as it embarks on significant reforms of the education system in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson committed to increasing funding for SEND provisions while outlining the government’s plans for a new framework intended to streamline support for affected children.
Details of Proposed Changes
The anticipated White Paper, set to be released on Monday, is expected to detail a comprehensive overhaul of the SEND system, which many stakeholders believe is currently in a state of crisis. Under the proposed reforms, children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo assessments upon transitioning to secondary school starting in 2029. This review process aims to ensure that the support children receive aligns with their evolving needs.
Moreover, a significant aspect of the reforms will include the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with identified SEND. Unlike EHCPs, ISPs will be developed by schools and will carry legal status, aiming to simplify the process for families.
Phillipson stated, “EHCPs will have an important role to play in the new system,” emphasising that more children will receive timely support without the arduous struggle that many parents currently face. “Parents won’t have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP,” she added, assuring that the new ISPs will be underpinned by clear statutory guidelines.
Parental Concerns and Criticism
Despite the government’s reassurances, concerns remain prevalent among parents and opposition parties. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed skepticism, highlighting that many families currently endure significant challenges in securing necessary support. “The idea that they’re going to be reassessed will be genuinely frightening,” Trott remarked, reflecting broader apprehensions about the proposed changes.
Hannah Luxford, a mother of a teenager with anxiety, shared her experience of navigating the EHCP process, which took 18 months. She described the current system as adversarial, stating, “It is designed to make you give up.” Luxford is apprehensive about how the reforms might affect her son’s rights, insisting that existing protections must remain intact.
Financial Implications and Broader Educational Goals
The government’s SEND reforms are occurring amidst rising financial pressures. Starting in 2028, the government plans to assume costs that local councils currently bear, which is projected to create a £6 billion strain on the education budget. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has identified three potential avenues for the government to address this financial burden: increasing funding, implementing reforms to curb SEND spending, or making cuts elsewhere.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS commented on the current scenario, asserting that it reflects “the worst of all worlds,” with escalating costs and numbers of EHCPs not leading to improved outcomes for children.
In tandem with SEND reforms, the government is also aiming to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this parliamentary session finish secondary school. Recent data from the Department for Education indicated that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 pupils has widened post-pandemic, necessitating targeted funding reforms.
Why it Matters
The government’s approach to SEND reform represents a critical juncture for countless families navigating the complexities of educational support. With a commitment to increase funding and streamline processes, the proposed changes could enhance the system for children with SEND, provided that existing supports are preserved. However, the concerns voiced by parents and educational stakeholders underscore the need for careful implementation and continued dialogue to ensure that the reforms genuinely benefit those they are designed to serve. The success of this initiative will largely depend on the government’s ability to balance financial constraints with the rights and needs of vulnerable children.
