As the government prepares to announce SEND reforms, concerns mount over the adequacy of proposed changes to meet children's needs.
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In a stark warning to government officials, Sir Ed Davey has labeled the upcoming reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system as the “last chance saloon.” During a rally for SEND parents, he expressed grave concerns that the proposed government changes will fail to adequately support the needs of affected children.
Concerns Over Proposed Reforms
At the rally, Sir Ed highlighted significant opportunities for reform but stressed that the current proposals may not fulfill the necessary requirements for children and young people. “There’s lots of opportunity for reform, but I am really worried that the reform that we might get offered won’t meet the needs of our children and young people, and so we’ve got to monitor this Government like never before,” he asserted.
His sentiments echoed a broader frustration regarding the government’s historical inability to deliver on promises.
“We’ve seen them promise a lot and then not deliver,” Sir Ed added, directing a pointed message toward Keir Starmer and other government officials: “This is the last chance saloon for you – get this wrong and you’re out.” His statement underscores the heightened stakes as the government prepares to unveil its plans in the forthcoming Schools White Paper.
Petition Highlights Parental Concerns
In a compelling display of public sentiment, MPs debated a petition that garnered over 120,000 signatures, advocating for the retention of legal rights to assessment and support for children with SEND. Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) play a crucial role in outlining the educational, health, and social needs of these children up to age 25, but apprehensions loom over the potential reduction of these rights under the new reforms.
Sir Ed emphasized the inadequacies of the current system, noting that children often experience extensive delays in assessment, and even when they secure EHCPs, the promised support is not reliably delivered. “Parents don’t want to lose the rights for our children and young people such as they are now,” he remarked, reinforcing the imperative to preserve existing rights amidst reform discussions.
Echoing this sentiment, Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson called for a “fundamental review of how the whole system works” before considering any removal of rights for these children.
Government’s Commitment to Reform
In response to the mounting pressure, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the systemic challenges, stating, “We inherited a system on its knees, forcing families to fight for every scrap of support.” To address these issues, the government has pledged to invest £1 billion into SEND initiatives and an additional £750 million in specialist school placements. However, the education sector remains skeptical about the effectiveness and timing of these changes.
Phillipson outlined the government’s goals, including the development of an inclusion-centered training curriculum and improvements in early intervention for various needs, such as ADHD and autism. Yet, with the system in disarray, she conceded that there is “much more to do.”
Education Minister Georgia Gould reinforced the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is neglected. “Under this Government, no child will be left behind, and we will reform the system so children with special educational needs are at the heart of the education system,” she affirmed during a debate in Westminster Hall.
Gould assured parents that the government would prioritize their input in the reform process, stating, “As we move forward, that we need to work with the parents… to get this right for families and to set out reforms that really transform people’s lives.”
Conclusion and Next Steps
At the rally, Sir Ed highlighted significant opportunities for reform but stressed that the current proposals may not fulfill the necessary requirements for children and young people. “There’s lots of opportunity for reform, but I am really worried that the reform that we might get offered won’t meet the needs of our children and young people, and so we’ve got to monitor this Government like never before,” he asserted. His sentiments echoed a broader frustration regarding the government’s historical inability to deliver on promises.0
