Major review into support for children with special educational needs

Last week, the Department for Education launched a review into support systems for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Following the reforms of the system in 2014, the DfE has acknowledged that more could be done to ensure the quality of SEND provision nationally is consistent and has acknowledged that there is benefit in the process being tied up with the health and social care sector.

The Prime Minister has pledged £700m of additional funds to pupils with SEND in 2020/21 and the aim of this review is to determine how the system can provide the highest quality support to children and young people with SEND, so that they can thrive in education and prepare for adulthood (including employment). The review aims to put forward new actions on:

• Helping parents make more informed decisions about what support is best for their child
• Joining up health, care and education services across the country
• Learning how to strike the right balance of state-funded provision, including mainstream and specialist places
• Aligning incentives and accountability for schools, colleges and local authorities
• Understanding the rise in EHC plans and the role of certain health conditions that are driving SEND demand.

Amber Rudd, who was Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at the time, said “Children with special needs and disabilities need to get the right educational support and health care so they can thrive. This review will help make sure all families get the support they need so every child, young person and their parents feel extremely positive about their future.”

Further information about the review can be found here. For information, please contact Emma Glazzard on 01242 248 583 or at [email protected].