In a bid to allay concerns regarding the upcoming reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured parents that “effective support” for children will not be diminished. The government plans to enhance funding for SEND provisions, addressing fears that proposed changes may limit essential support for many children. Full details of the reforms are set to be unveiled in a White Paper on Monday.
Commitment to Increased Funding
Phillipson clarified in an interview with the BBC that the government is committed to increasing its financial backing of SEND services, contradicting any suggestions of reduced support. This commitment comes in response to a system described as being in crisis, grappling with rising costs and an increasing number of children requiring assistance.
The anticipated reforms include a review process for children as they transition from primary to secondary education, particularly those with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs). The leaks from the White Paper suggest that these assessments will commence from 2029, with a new framework being proposed to ensure all children with SEND are supported through Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
The Role of Individual Support Plans
Phillipson stated that every child identified with special educational needs, even those without an EHCP, would benefit from an ISP, which will be legally recognised. This change aims to streamline the support process, ensuring that children receive the assistance they require more promptly. “Under the new system, more children will receive support, and they will receive it more quickly,” she emphasised, reassuring parents that the system would become less adversarial.
The proposed ISPs will establish clearer guidelines and principles, offering parents and guardians a more straightforward pathway to securing the necessary support for their children. Phillipson reiterated her confidence that these reforms would protect existing support for children currently receiving assistance.
Concerns from Stakeholders
Despite the government’s assurances, there remains significant apprehension among parents and opposition parties. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed scepticism regarding the proposed assessments, noting that many parents currently struggle to secure necessary support for their children. The notion of reassessment has raised fears that existing support might be jeopardised.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has benefitted from an EHCP, echoed these sentiments. Luxford described the current system as “unhelpful” and “complex,” expressing concern that the proposed changes could reverse the progress made in securing adequate support for her son. “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she cautioned.
Financial Pressures on the SEND System
The government’s planned reforms are set against a backdrop of increasing financial demands on SEND services. From 2028, the government intends to assume responsibility for SEND costs that are currently managed by local councils, a shift that is expected to impose a £6 billion burden on the budget. Experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies have identified three key strategies for the government to manage this financial strain: increasing funding for education, implementing reforms to curb the growth of SEND-related expenditures, or potentially making cuts.
Luke Sibieta from the Institute remarked on the challenging situation, highlighting that while the number of EHCPs is rising, the quality of support remains inconsistent. He described the current SEND landscape as one marked by conflict and inadequate provision.
Tackling the Attainment Gap
In parallel to SEND reforms, the government has set ambitious targets to reduce the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers in England. Plans aim to halve this gap by the time children born during this parliamentary session complete their secondary education. The latest statistics show that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students has widened to 3.94, the highest it has been in a decade.
To address this, the government is considering reforms in how schools allocate funding, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to ensure that all children have access to quality education and support, regardless of their circumstances.
Why it Matters
These proposed reforms to the SEND system are critical for the future of countless children across England. As the government pledges to increase support and streamline processes, the effectiveness of these changes will ultimately hinge on their implementation. Parents and educators alike will be watching closely to ensure that the assurances provided translate into tangible benefits. The success of these reforms has the potential to reshape the educational landscape for children with special educational needs, determining their access to vital resources and support in the years to come.
