Parents of Disabled Children Express Deep Anxiety Over Impending Send Reforms
A recent poll conducted for the disability charity Sense has uncovered significant concerns among parents of children with multiple complex needs regarding the government's upcoming reforms to special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision in England. The survey, which involved 1,000 parents, found that half of respondents "feel nervous" about the changes, while 45% explicitly stated they are "worried my child's support will be taken away" as a result of the overhaul.
High Stakes for Families and Ministers
The reforms, spearheaded by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, are set to be published in mid-February as part of a schools white paper. They aim to address the longstanding issues within England's Send system, which has been criticised for being baffling and underfunded. At the core of these changes will be the mechanisms for funding and providing support to children with additional needs, particularly through education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
These legal agreements between parents and local authorities are crucial for detailing the provision of support, yet the Sense survey revealed alarming gaps in their implementation. One in five parents reported that their child's school is not delivering the legally required support outlined in their EHCP, and nearly half described the process of securing Send support as "stressful".
Broader Implications for Families and the Workforce
The survey also highlighted the profound impact of inadequate Send support on family life and employment. A third of parents surveyed disclosed that they have had to leave their jobs due to a lack of adequate support for their children, while 40% said they were forced to reduce their working hours for the same reason. This underscores the broader societal and economic consequences of a failing Send system.
James Watson-O'Neill, chief executive of Sense, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating: "A shocking number of children are being failed by a baffling and underfunded Send system. Too many are falling through the cracks – at the cost of their happiness, wellbeing and future life chances." He warned that any further weakening of children's legal rights or attempts to cut spending could have devastating consequences.
Government Response and Future Plans
The Department for Education (DfE) has recently completed a national listening exercise to gather views from parents, school leaders, and interest groups ahead of finalising the white paper. A DfE spokesperson acknowledged the failures of the current system, noting: "We've heard from so many families who have been failed by the Send system – with parents fighting for support and rising demand meaning children's needs are spiralling to crisis point."
The government's proposed reforms aim to restore parental trust by ending the postcode lottery in Send provision and strengthening support for those in need. Key initiatives include:
- Investing £200 million to train all teachers on Send.
- Allocating at least £3 billion to create 50,000 new specialist places.
- Expanding special needs provision in mainstream state schools to allow more children to attend local institutions.
However, financial challenges loom large. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that spending on Send provision will reach £18 billion by 2029, with the DfE's budget expected to absorb £6 billion in local authority high-needs deficits by 2028 unless Treasury intervention occurs.
Calls for Robust Legal Rights and Funding
Sense is urging ministers to ensure that the needs of disabled children with complex needs are fully addressed in the reforms. The charity has cautioned that without robust legal rights and sustained funding, disabled children risk being left further behind. Watson-O'Neill called for a properly funded Send system with a joined-up workforce strategy and investment in professionals to support every child, regardless of their needs.
As the reforms approach, the stakes remain high for both families and policymakers, with the potential to either alleviate or exacerbate the existing crises within the Send framework.
