The UK government is poised to implement significant changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, following mounting criticism from various stakeholders about its current inefficiencies. Leaked documents indicate a radical shift in policy, aiming to address the needs of children with SEND more effectively. The anticipated Schools White Paper, which outlines the government’s formal proposals, is set to be released shortly, although concerns about its content have already emerged.
Rising Costs and Systemic Failures
The SEND system in England has been described as “broken” by the National Audit Office, with local councils expected to allocate £14.8 billion towards SEND support this year—an increase from £5 billion a decade ago. This surge in funding demands has highlighted the urgent need for reform as local authorities grapple with escalating costs and insufficient resources.
Families, educators, and local councils have shared their experiences and recommendations regarding the current system. Ailith, a mother of a child with Down’s syndrome, emphasises the importance of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as essential documents that guarantee necessary support. However, she expresses concern over proposed reforms that would mandate reviews of these plans after primary school and again post-GCSEs. “The current system is already struggling with one assessment, introducing multiple assessments raises significant concerns about capacity and resource allocation,” Ailith states. She fears that vulnerable children could lose vital support through unnecessary reassessments.
The Need for Inclusive Education
Kadeem, who has faced significant challenges due to his oppositional defiant disorder, believes that better communication within the SEND framework could prevent isolation and improve mental health outcomes for children. He advocates for smaller class sizes and adequate breaks to help manage behaviour, suggesting that a focus on inclusion within mainstream education could lead to more positive experiences for children with SEND.
Aimee, a mother of three children with SEND, echoes these sentiments, noting that families often have to resort to tribunals to secure appropriate support, which adds emotional stress to an already challenging situation. “The system is difficult to navigate,” she remarks, reflecting on her own experience of advocating for her son’s educational needs.
Addressing Racial and Economic Disparities
Marsha, the founder of Black SEN Mamas, highlights the additional barriers faced by non-white families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. She calls for reforms that include staff training to combat unconscious bias and ensure fair treatment for all children. Marsha is disappointed by the leaked proposals that could lead to fewer children retaining their EHCPs as they transition to secondary education, warning that this may result in many children losing the support crucial for their development.
Penny, a teaching assistant with over two decades of experience, supports the government’s goal of creating more inclusive mainstream schools. However, she cautions that the current infrastructure is overburdened, with many experienced staff leaving the profession. “The system is stretched too thin,” she says, urging for better training and resources to meet children’s needs effectively.
Financial Sustainability and Future Planning
Russell, head teacher at Haslingden High School, identifies funding as the primary issue plaguing the SEND system. With over 300 students registered with SEND in his school, he calls for increased financial support to enhance inclusive teaching and timely access to specialist resources. He emphasises that open dialogue between schools, families, and authorities is essential for effective support.
Councillor Bill Revans of Somerset Council warns that the current system is on the brink of financial unsustainability, with the demand for EHCPs outpacing available resources. He points out that the reliance on costly private placements is a growing concern. Revans advocates for comprehensive reform, stating, “Anything short of root-and-branch reform risks trapping councils in a vicious cycle of overspending and worsening services for families.”
Why it Matters
The impending reforms to the SEND system represent a critical juncture for the future of educational support for children with special needs in the UK. As families, educators, and local authorities call for changes that prioritise inclusivity, fairness, and accessibility, the government’s actions will significantly impact the lives of thousands of children. Ensuring that vulnerable students receive the necessary support is not just a matter of policy; it is a fundamental issue of rights and dignity that will shape the educational landscape for years to come.