Plans to reform the struggling special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, which had been highly anticipated, are now facing a delay. Originally set for release this Autumn, the schools white paper will now be postponed until next year. The decision to postpone was made recently, following Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s speech on the white paper just a week ago.
Concerns have emerged in recent months that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), a crucial legal provision for SEND support, might be eliminated as part of the white paper. This sparked protests from parents, campaigners, and young individuals who gathered in Parliament square last month to urge the Government to preserve EHCPs, citing a lack of trust in the current system.
Ministers have opted to delay the white paper release to prevent backlash and to engage further with families and experts to reach a consensus. There were also apprehensions that the proximity of next month’s Budget announcement could give the impression that reforms were primarily financially driven.
Despite the urgency of the situation, the decision to delay has surprised some stakeholders. Ms. Phillipson recently emphasized the necessity for change in a speech to the Confederation of School Trust Conferences.
A source from the Labour party expressed support for the government’s thorough approach to addressing SEND issues, emphasizing the importance of taking the time needed to ensure the reforms are effective.
Chair of the LGA’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, Cllr Amanda Hopgood, expressed disappointment over the delay, stressing the urgent need for reforms to address the failures within the SEND system.
In response, a Department for Education spokesperson highlighted the upcoming engagement phase to gather feedback from various stakeholders across the country, indicating a commitment to incorporating lived experiences and partnerships in developing solutions tailored to the needs of families and children.
In the coming months, the Department for Education plans to conduct listening sessions nationwide to test policy options and hold regular ministerial meetings with key parent and expert groups to facilitate a collaborative approach to reforming the SEND system.