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The largest teaching union in England has raised alarms about a significant staffing shortfall that could jeopardise the government’s ambitious plans for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools. Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), emphasised that achieving real inclusion cannot be done “on the cheap,” highlighting a growing unease among educators about the future of SEND reforms.
A Call for Support Amidst Staffing Challenges
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently asserted that the government is committed to bolstering support for vulnerable young people, stating on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that there is increased investment in SEND initiatives. In February, the government unveiled a series of reforms intended to enhance the SEND framework, including the establishment of “inclusion bases” within every school—designated spaces for students with SEND.
According to the Department for Education (DfE), these reforms represent a “once-in-a-generation” shift towards inclusive education, with a promise of £4 billion in additional funding allocated through 2029. Of this funding, £1.6 billion is earmarked for early years, schools, and colleges in the form of an “inclusion fund,” aimed at preparing institutions for upcoming changes. An additional £1.8 billion will support expert assistance for schools and training for local authorities.
However, despite this financial commitment, the NEU argues that the funding is inadequate to realise the government’s aspirations. Kebede pointed out that the allocation would only provide a part-time teaching assistant for the average primary school and two for secondary schools, far from what is necessary to meet the needs of all students.
Concerns Raised by Educators
Ahead of its annual conference in Brighton, the NEU conducted a survey among its members, revealing that 86% of teachers cited insufficient staffing as a barrier to inclusion. A further 73% highlighted workload pressures as another significant challenge. Concerns also extended to class sizes and the complexities of obtaining specialised support for identifying and assisting children’s needs.
Among the key reforms is the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for every child with SEND, with the government aiming for more children to have their needs met within mainstream settings. This initiative is designed to foster a more inclusive educational landscape, featuring sensory spaces and earlier access to specialists such as speech and language therapists.
Looking ahead, the government plans to limit Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to only those with the most complex needs by 2035, as they seek to address the rising number of children currently receiving such support.
The Reality of Implementation
Despite the government’s intentions, the NEU warns that the proposed reforms may inadvertently exacerbate existing workload issues for educators. Kebede expressed support for the desire to create more inclusive educational environments, underlining that teachers and support staff are keen to see these changes come to fruition. Yet, the stark reality remains: they are being asked to deliver more with dwindling resources, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and underprepared.
Recent research from an independent charity further underscores these concerns, revealing potential challenges as schools gear up for the impending changes. The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) indicates a promising trend in teacher recruitment, but a worrying exodus of teaching assistants, with approximately one in five leaving their posts between 2023/24 and 2024/25. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in providing tailored support for students with SEND, making this trend particularly concerning.
In response to the NEU’s criticisms, the DfE reiterated its commitment to the £4 billion investment and its ambition for every child to receive the education they deserve. Ongoing consultations are aimed at gathering feedback from parents and schools on these proposed reforms.
Political Implications and Union Response
The impact of SEND reforms is set to be a central topic of discussion at the NEU’s annual conference, with political ramifications also at play. Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, is scheduled to address the conference, reflecting shifting political sentiments among educators. Kebede noted that Polanski has become a highly regarded figure among union members, signalling a potential wake-up call for the current Labour government regarding the education sector’s needs.
As the NEU consults its membership about possible industrial action concerning pay, the future landscape of education funding remains uncertain. The independent review of teachers’ pay, currently on ministers’ desks, is anticipated to influence upcoming salary offers and address the pressing concerns of educators nationwide.
Why it Matters
The ongoing discussions around SEND reforms highlight a critical juncture in the education system, where the aspirations for inclusion and equitable support for all children hang in a delicate balance. Without adequate staffing and resources, the vision of a truly inclusive educational environment may remain an elusive goal. The voices of teachers and support staff must be heeded to ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, receives the quality of education they deserve. The stakes are high, not only for the present generation of students but for the future of education itself in England.
