The UK government has reassured parents that effective support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will remain intact as it embarks on significant reforms to the education system in England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that the administration intends to increase funding for SEND provisions, addressing widespread concerns that changes could limit the resources available to these vulnerable students.
Financial Commitment to SEND Support
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson stated unequivocally that the government is committed to enhancing the financial backing for SEND programmes rather than reducing it. This announcement comes at a time when the current SEND framework is under scrutiny, with many arguing that it is in a state of crisis due to escalating costs and inadequate support structures.
The details of the planned reforms are set to be unveiled in a White Paper, scheduled for release on Monday. This document has been highly anticipated by parents, educators, and advocates who worry that the proposed changes might inadvertently restrict the assistance their children currently receive.
Proposed Changes and Assessments
Reports indicate that the forthcoming reforms will involve reassessments for children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) as they transition from primary to secondary school. Starting in 2029, all students with SEND will be evaluated based on their individual needs, a move that could notably impact the support they receive.
In addition to these evaluations, the government plans to introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for every child identified as having special educational needs, even if they do not currently hold an EHCP. These ISPs will have legal standing and are intended to simplify the process of securing support.
Phillipson emphasised that the new system will ensure that more children gain access to the help they need, and they will receive it more swiftly than under the existing framework. “Parents won’t have to fight as hard to obtain support through an EHCP,” she stated, offering reassurance to families navigating the complexities of current provisions.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s promises, some critics remain sceptical. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed significant concerns about the reassessment process, warning that it could exacerbate the struggles many families face in securing necessary support. Trott highlighted the adversarial nature of the existing system, which often forces parents into lengthy battles for adequate resources.
Hannah Luxford, whose son has successfully transitioned to a funded virtual school after a protracted struggle to obtain his EHCP, voiced her apprehension regarding potential changes. “I want to hear that for those of us already with EHCPs, we are protected,” she remarked, stressing the importance of maintaining legal rights for children currently benefitting from established support systems.
The Broader Educational Landscape
The government is also grappling with broader educational challenges, including the widening attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. Recent data from the Department for Education revealed that this gap has reached its widest point in a decade, prompting the government to set ambitious targets for improvement. The aim is to halve this gap by the time children born during this parliamentary term complete their secondary education.
To achieve this, the government plans to reform funding allocation for schools, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities. However, experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies have described the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” highlighting rising numbers of EHCPs alongside escalating costs without corresponding improvements in quality for students.
Why it Matters
The government’s commitment to maintaining effective SEND support amidst significant reforms is crucial for the welfare of countless children and their families. As the education sector faces mounting pressures, these reforms could either pave the way for a more inclusive system or risk leaving the most vulnerable behind. The upcoming White Paper will be a pivotal moment, determining how the government balances financial constraints with the urgent need for comprehensive and equitable educational support.
