In a bid to clarify the forthcoming changes to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has assured parents that the government will not withdraw crucial support for children with SEND. During an interview with the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that the intention behind the reforms is to enhance, rather than diminish, the assistance available to these children, with more funding earmarked for SEND provisions.
Planned Reforms and Funding Assurance
Phillipson has been vocal about the government’s commitment to improving the SEND system, which many stakeholders argue is currently overstretched. She indicated that the government plans to increase investment in SEND support as part of a broader overhaul. With a White Paper detailing these changes set to be released on Monday, many parents are anxiously anticipating how the proposed reforms may affect their children’s educational experiences.
The forthcoming document is expected to outline new assessments for children transitioning to secondary school, with reports suggesting that pupils holding education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo evaluations post-primary education starting in 2029. These assessments aim to ensure that every child’s needs are appropriately addressed.
Moreover, a new framework for Individual Support Plans (ISPs) is anticipated, which would extend legal rights to all children with SEND, regardless of whether they currently possess an EHCP. Each child identified with special educational needs will have an ISP developed by their school, granting parents a clearer pathway to the support their children require.
A System in Transition
In her statements, Phillipson sought to reassure parents that EHCPs will remain central to the new system. “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support,” she stated. Furthermore, she noted that this support would be delivered more efficiently, allowing children to access the help they need without the protracted battles often associated with securing an EHCP.
The transition from the current system to the proposed reforms is expected to unfold over the next decade. However, Phillipson acknowledged that regular reviews of children’s needs are essential, citing that the system has been flawed in its execution of annual EHCP assessments.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite the government’s optimistic outlook, there is significant concern within the opposition. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed apprehension about the proposed reassessments, highlighting that many parents have endured lengthy struggles to obtain support for their children. Trott voiced fears that the new framework could exacerbate existing issues, stating, “We oppose any support being withdrawn.”
Personal accounts from parents, such as Hannah Luxford, underline the challenges faced within the current SEND system. Luxford recounted an arduous 18-month journey to secure an EHCP for her son, describing the existing framework as adversarial and complex. She fears that any changes could jeopardise her son’s hard-won access to quality education, emphasising the need for assurances that current support systems remain intact.
Financial Pressures on the SEND System
The government is under pressure to address the escalating costs associated with the SEND system, which is widely regarded as being in crisis. Recent analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) indicates that the government must explore options to manage these financial strains, including potential cuts or reforms aimed at controlling SEND expenditure growth.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS pointed out that the current scenario represents a challenging landscape, with rising numbers of EHCPs and costs failing to translate into improved quality for children. “Unfortunately, we still have a system that is characterised by conflict, by fight, but also by really patchy levels of quality,” Sibieta remarked.
In addition to SEND reforms, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers in England by the time children born during this parliamentary term complete secondary school. This initiative is expected to involve strategic reallocations of funding to better support disadvantaged students.
Why it Matters
The proposed SEND reforms come at a critical juncture for many families navigating the complexities of the current educational landscape. As the government seeks to overhaul a system that has faced mounting criticism, the balance between financial sustainability and effective support remains precarious. The assurance of continued support for children with SEND is essential, yet the execution of these reforms will ultimately determine whether the needs of vulnerable students are met without additional burdens on their families. The outcome of these changes will significantly impact not only the educational experiences of children with SEND but also the wider perception of the government’s commitment to inclusive education.
