In a landmark move, the government will announce a sweeping £4 billion reform of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England, a pivotal moment for Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Labour leader Keir Starmer. The reforms aim to enhance educational equity and address the pressing concerns of parents and MPs regarding SEND provision, following previous delays amid public backlash.
A New Era for Special Needs Education
The proposed overhaul signifies a generational shift in how special needs are managed within the education system, with Phillipson asserting that it will establish a framework to “define the future of education.” The investment promises to deliver improved access to tailored support in mainstream schools and create an additional 60,000 places in special schools. This comes at a time when demand for SEND services is at an all-time high, underscoring the need for substantial reform.
Phillipson emphasised that the strategy is focused on “improved support, not removed support.” The approach seeks to dispel fears that the overhaul would lead to cuts and instead position it as an investment to meet the needs of all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Stricter Criteria for Education, Health and Care Plans
Under the new guidelines, schools will receive increased funding for specialised support, although stricter criteria will be applied to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). These plans will now be reserved for children with the most severe and complex needs, while new provisions will ensure that children on lower tiers still receive necessary assistance. Concerns have emerged about potential limitations on parental choice regarding school placements, as families will be presented with a list of available options rather than unrestricted choice. However, appeals will remain an option, allowing parents to advocate for their children’s needs.
The government is keen to hold local authorities accountable, with sources indicating that councils could lose their SEND service management if they fail to meet legal obligations. Currently, over half of EHCPs are issued beyond the 20-week legal timeframe, highlighting systemic inefficiencies that the reforms aim to rectify.
Funding and Support for All Students
The reforms include a substantial £1.6 billion over three years earmarked for early years settings, schools, and colleges, allowing for targeted provisions such as language support. Additionally, a further £1.8 billion will support the creation of an “experts at hand” service, providing local authorities with the means to hire more SEND specialists, including educational psychologists and speech and language therapists.
With funding projected to provide around £20,000-£40,000 annually for primary schools and £50,000-£70,000 for secondary schools, the initiative aims to ensure that every mainstream school has an “inclusion base.” This is part of a broader £3.7 billion capital investment designed to enhance facilities and resources for students with SEND.
Cautious Optimism from Stakeholders
While many stakeholders, including charities and think tanks, have welcomed the proposed changes, they remain cautious. Experts have pointed out that without significant efforts to improve staff retention and recruitment, the reforms may not achieve their intended outcomes. Jo Hutchinson from the Education Policy Institute highlighted the need for increased training opportunities to ensure sufficient staffing in SEND services.
Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, expressed optimism that the reforms could benefit families lacking the resources to navigate the current system. However, Madeleine Cassidy from the legal charity IPSEA cautioned that the proposals must address accountability and the legal rights of children under SEND.
Phillipson reiterated her commitment to reform, stating, “This is a reforming government: fixing brick by brick the crises left behind by our predecessors.” She acknowledged that action was overdue and that the time for change has arrived.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed readiness for the region to serve as an early adopter of the reforms, arguing that a collaborative approach involving parents and professionals will be crucial for success.
Why it Matters
The proposed reforms to SEND support represent a critical juncture for education in England, potentially reshaping how special needs are addressed in schools. With a focus on increased funding, tailored support, and accountability for local authorities, these changes aim to dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered access to equitable education. For families, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the success of this initiative could mean the difference between struggle and opportunity in their children’s educational journeys. As the government prepares to roll out these ambitious plans, the eyes of parents, educators, and advocates will remain firmly fixed on the implementation process and its impact on future generations.
