In a bid to reassure families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has promised that “effective support” will remain intact as the government prepares to unveil substantial reforms to the educational framework in England. Speaking to the BBC, Phillipson affirmed that the administration intends to increase, rather than decrease, funding for SEND provisions, amidst ongoing concerns from parents about potential limitations to their children’s access to necessary support.
Planned Reforms to SEND Provision
The government’s proposed changes to SEND support will be detailed in a forthcoming White Paper, set to be released on Monday. This policy document has generated considerable anticipation, particularly among parents who fear that the reforms could restrict the support currently granted to their children. The move comes during a time when the SEND system is under significant strain, with rising costs leading many to label it as being in crisis.
Recent leaks suggest that children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) may face reassessments as they transition into secondary school starting in 2029. This is expected to coincide with a new initiative that would extend legal rights to all children with SEND through school-led Individual Support Plans (ISPs). Under this new framework, every child identified with special educational needs, including those without an EHCP, would have an ISP developed by their school, which would carry some legal weight.
Phillipson emphasised that while EHCPs will continue to play a vital role in the new system, the aim is to ensure that children receive support more swiftly and efficiently. “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support,” she stated. “But they’ll receive it more quickly. They’ll receive it when they need it and where they need it.”
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s reassurances, there are growing concerns voiced by both opposition politicians and parents. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed apprehension about the proposed assessments and the potential implications for families who have already struggled to secure support for their children. She remarked that many parents currently face significant challenges in obtaining the necessary assistance, and the prospect of reassessment could be daunting.
Hannah Luxford, a parent whose son has successfully navigated the EHCP process, described the existing system as “unhelpful” and “adversarial.” After an arduous 18-month wait for her son’s EHCP, she now worries about the security of his support under the new proposals. “I want to hear that for those of us already with EHCPs that we are protected,” Luxford said, highlighting the fear that any loss of current provisions could revert them to a previous, more challenging situation.
Financial Implications and System Strain
The government is also set to take over SEND-related costs currently borne by local councils starting in 2028, a decision projected to create an additional financial burden of £6 billion. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has identified three potential approaches to address this fiscal pressure: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to curb SEND spending growth, or making cuts. Luke Sibieta from the IFS described the current situation as “the worst of all worlds,” noting the increasing number of EHCPs and costs without a corresponding improvement in quality of support for children.
Moreover, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of this parliamentary term. Recent GCSE results indicate that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students has widened to 3.94, the highest level seen in a decade. The government plans to reform how schools allocate funding to children from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of this effort.
Why it Matters
These proposed reforms to SEND support are poised to have significant implications for children with special educational needs and their families. While the government’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing support is a positive step, the effectiveness of these changes will heavily depend on their implementation and the extent to which they truly provide equitable access to educational resources. As parents seek assurances about their children’s rights, the forthcoming White Paper will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of SEND support in England. The need for a well-functioning system is urgent, as families continue to navigate the complexities of securing the help their children deserve.
