In a bid to reassure concerned parents, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has affirmed that the government will not retract “effective support” for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it embarks on a comprehensive overhaul of the educational framework in England. The forthcoming White Paper, set to be unveiled on Monday, will detail these changes, which aim to enhance the support system amidst rising criticism of its current inadequacies.
Commitment to Increased Funding
Phillipson has made it clear that rather than cutting funding, the government intends to allocate additional resources to SEND provisions. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, she asserted, “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support. But they’ll receive it more quickly. They’ll receive it when they need it and where they need it.” This approach aims to streamline the process, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that often hinder timely assistance.
The anticipated White Paper will reportedly introduce a new model for assessing children’s needs as they transition into secondary education, with proposals suggesting that pupils currently benefiting from education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessments starting in 2029. Importantly, this reassessment will coincide with the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which will apply to all children identified as having SEND, thus expanding legal protections.
Systemic Overhaul and Parental Concerns
The proposed changes arise from a system under considerable strain, with many parents expressing anxiety over potential disruptions to the support their children currently receive. Phillipson emphasised that the new ISPs would possess a legal framework to ensure clarity and accountability, stating, “There are clear routes and clear principles set out in statute that will guide all of this.”
However, the spectre of reassessment has raised alarms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott voiced significant concerns, highlighting the distress many parents face when navigating the current system. “The idea that they’re going to be reassessed will be genuinely frightening,” she remarked, reflecting widespread apprehension among families reliant on EHCPs for essential support.
Financial Pressures and Future Implications
The government’s strategy also addresses financial challenges, with SEND costs currently borne by councils expected to transfer to central government by 2028. This shift is projected to generate a £6 billion financial strain. As the Institute for Fiscal Studies has noted, the government faces three pathways: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to curtail SEND spending growth, or making cuts. Luke Sibieta from the IFS lamented the existing system’s inefficiencies, stating that it remains “characterised by conflict” and often fails to deliver quality support.
In addition to SEND reforms, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time those born during this parliamentary term complete secondary school. The latest figures indicate a widening disadvantage gap in GCSE results, underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention.
Why it Matters
The announcement of these reforms carries significant implications for families across England. While the government’s commitment to increased support is a positive step, the details remain uncertain, particularly surrounding the reassessment process and the impact on existing EHCPs. As parents grapple with the complexities of SEND provision, the efficacy of these proposed changes will ultimately determine whether they provide the relief and support that so many children critically need. The outcome could reshape educational experiences for countless families, making it imperative for policymakers to tread carefully in implementing these reforms.
