In an effort to address long-standing issues within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England, the government is set to announce significant reforms. Leaked details hint at a radical transformation aimed at improving the way support is allocated to children with special needs. As families, educators, and local authorities share their experiences and expectations, it becomes clear that the need for change is urgent and deeply felt.
A System in Crisis
The SEND framework has been labelled “broken” by the National Audit Office, with local councils projected to spend an astonishing £14.8 billion this year, a steep increase from £5 billion a decade ago. The Schools White Paper, which outlines the government’s proposals, is expected to be released soon; however, early insights have already sparked concern among those most affected by the existing system.
Families across the country are voicing their frustrations and hopes for a system that truly meets the needs of children like Thalia, a young girl with Down’s syndrome. Her mother, Ailith, emphasises the importance of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), which lay out a child’s requirements and the support they should receive. “These plans are vital, legally enforceable rights,” she explains. Yet, proposed changes to reassess these plans after primary school and again after GCSEs have left many parents anxious. Ailith worries that these revisions could lead to unnecessary assessments, risking the support that children with lifelong conditions rely on.
Stories of Struggle and Resilience
The experiences of families highlight the complexities and challenges of navigating the SEND system. Kadeem, who has faced a series of exclusions from school due to his oppositional defiant disorder, recounts the detrimental effects of inadequate support on his mental health. He stresses the need for better communication among professionals to focus on a child’s individual needs rather than punitive measures. “Exclusion can deeply impact a child’s well-being,” he states, advocating for smaller class sizes and tailored support to prevent behaviour issues from escalating.
Aimee, a mother of three children with SEND, echoes the frustrations of many families who feel forced into legal battles to secure appropriate care. “The system is overwhelming,” she shares, recalling the emotional toll of navigating tribunals. Although she triumphed in her case, her experience underscores the need for a more accessible and supportive framework.
Voices for Change
Marsha, founder of the Black SEN Mamas support network, emphasises the unique barriers faced by non-white families within the SEND system. She believes that unconscious biases often influence decisions regarding children’s needs, leading to unequal treatment. Marsha calls for reforms to include specific training for staff to combat racism and to ensure equitable support for all children. She expresses disappointment at proposals that could reduce the number of children retaining their EHCPs when transitioning to secondary school, fearing that vulnerable children may fall through the cracks.
Penny, a teaching assistant with over two decades of experience, supports the government’s push for inclusion in mainstream schools. However, she warns that the current system is overstretched, with many schools lacking the resources to implement individual support effectively. “Staff are overwhelmed, and children’s needs are going unmet,” she cautions. Penny advocates for strong leadership, well-trained staff, and open communication to create an inclusive environment for all students.
The Road Ahead
As local councils grapple with rising demand for SEND support, leaders like Cllr Bill Revans of Somerset Council highlight the urgent need for reform to prevent the system from becoming financially unsustainable. With a doubling in demand for EHCPs over the past five years, families are facing longer wait times for assessments and placements. Cllr Revans stresses that without comprehensive reform, councils risk being trapped in a cycle of overspending and declining services.
The government has announced plans to cap the costs of private school placements and intends to create over 250 new high-needs places within mainstream schools in Somerset. Yet, local leaders emphasise that collaborative efforts are essential to address these systemic challenges effectively.
Why it Matters
The impending reforms to the SEND system hold the potential to reshape the educational landscape for thousands of children and their families. As voices from diverse backgrounds unite to share their experiences, it is clear that any changes must prioritise inclusivity, fairness, and genuine support. The success of these reforms will not only determine the future of the SEND framework but will also impact the lives of children who deserve the right to an education tailored to their unique needs. It is a crucial moment for policy-makers to listen and act decisively, ensuring that every child has access to the opportunities they deserve.