A significant political row is brewing within the government over controversial proposals to restrict legal support for children with special educational needs.
Plans to Overhaul the SEND System
Ministers are on a collision course regarding plans to scale back the rights of children with less severe additional needs. At present, families of children with any level of special need can obtain a legally binding document from their local council, known as an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This document guarantees them often expensive extra support.
However, the system is under immense strain. A sharp rise in diagnoses for conditions such as mild ADHD and autism has severely clogged up the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) framework. This backlog means children with the most severe and profound issues, including blindness, are facing unacceptably long wait times for their vital EHCPs.
Redirecting Support to School Level
These plans, which are anticipated to be unveiled by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson in an upcoming white paper, aim to return the system to its original purpose. Government sources indicate that in future, only those children with the most severe needs will be eligible to attain an EHCP.
Cases considered milder will be managed at the school level. To facilitate this shift, an extra £3 billion has been allocated to provide enhanced support within mainstream schools. This funding is intended to cover resources such as specialised classroom assistants and in-school interventions, aiming to catch problems earlier without the need for a formal legal plan.
The reforms are a direct response to a system in crisis. EHCPs were initially designed only for the most severe circumstances, but lengthy waiting lists now include many children with moderate needs. This is largely because parents do not feel adequate support is available within their child's current school setting.
Potential for a Labour Rebellion
Despite the proposed changes, the plans are likely to prompt significant internal conflict. A rebellion from backbench Labour MPs is anticipated, as some argue that scaling back legal entitlements could leave vulnerable children without crucial protection and resources.
The debate puts a spotlight on the difficult balance between managing finite public resources and ensuring every child receives an appropriate education. As the government prepares to publish its formal proposals, the argument over the best path forward for the SEND system is set to intensify.
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