In a recent statement, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson assured parents that the government will not withdraw “effective support” for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as part of its upcoming educational reforms in England. The announcement comes as the government prepares to release a White Paper outlining significant changes to the SEND system, which has faced mounting criticism over its effectiveness and rising costs.
Planned Reforms to SEND Support
Phillipson emphasised that the government intends to increase funding rather than diminish it, aiming to enhance the support provided to students with SEND. During an interview on the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, she stated, “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.”
The forthcoming policy paper is highly anticipated among parents who are concerned that their children’s current support may be compromised. It is expected to detail a new approach to how children with SEND will be evaluated and supported, particularly as they transition from primary to secondary education.
Key Changes in SEND Assessments
According to leaked information from the White Paper, children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) may be reassessed after primary school, starting in 2029. This reassessment is designed to ensure that their needs are continually met as they progress through the education system. Notably, the government plans to introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) that will encompass all children with SEND, including those currently without an EHCP. These ISPs will carry legal weight, providing a framework for schools to offer consistent support.
Phillipson reassured parents that EHCPs will retain a crucial role in the new system. “We are not going to be taking away effective support from children,” she reiterated, while acknowledging that regular assessments of children’s needs are critical and should already be occurring under the existing framework.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the assurances from the government, opposition parties have voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed reforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed apprehension about the potential implications for families already navigating the complexities of the SEND system. “Too many parents have to fight for the support, and the idea that they’re going to be reassessed will be genuinely frightening,” Trott stated.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, who has faced challenges securing an EHCP for her son, worry about the future of their children’s legal rights under the new measures. Luxford described the current system as “unhelpful, adversarial, and complex,” and emphasised the need for assurances that existing supports will remain intact.
Financial Pressures and Future Implications
The government’s reforms are set against a backdrop of financial strain within the SEND system, with rising costs prompting calls for systemic change. Recent analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlighted three potential routes for addressing the financial pressures: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to control SEND spending, or making budget cuts. Luke Sibieta from the IFS noted that the current situation is “the worst of all worlds,” marked by an increase in EHCPs and costs without a corresponding improvement in service quality.
In addition to SEND reforms, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the end of the current parliamentary session. This ambitious goal will be pursued through targeted funding and support measures for students from less privileged backgrounds.
Why it Matters
These proposed reforms are pivotal not just for the future of children with SEND, but also for the broader educational landscape in England. As the government seeks to navigate financial constraints while improving support, the balance between maintaining effective assistance for vulnerable students and managing costs will be crucial. With rising concerns from parents and opposition figures alike, the success of these reforms will depend on clear communication and robust implementation that prioritises the needs of students over bureaucratic hurdles.
