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Mediation

Labour's SEND Reform: A Risky Gamble for Parents and Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Labour government is poised to overhaul the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, potentially scrapping education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) that provide vital support for children with SEND. According to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the government wants to ensure that every child receives the support they need, but critics argue that this approach is a recipe for disaster.

Key Takeaways:

  • The current SEND system is "broken" and in dire need of reform, with parents and children suffering from bureaucratic delays and denial of support.
  • Labour's proposed overhaul of the SEND system risks exacerbating the problem, with education secretary Bridget Phillipson refusing to rule out scrapping EHCPs.
  • Councils have a history of using EHCPs as a "stick" to beat them when they fail to provide adequate support, leading to years of delays and appeals.
  • The number of appeals to the SEND First-Tier Tribunal has increased by 54.53% in the 2023-24 academic year, with councils spending £153 million defending these appeals.
  • Parent groups are skeptical of the government's intentions, arguing that the Department for Education has spent too much time listening to councils and not enough time listening to them.
  • Labour MPs have been inundated with letters and emails from angry SEND parents, who are demanding that their concerns be addressed.
  • The proposed reform poses a risk for Labour MPs in marginal constituencies, who may face electoral backlash if they fail to support SEND families.

Statistics:

  • 21,106 appeals were registered with the SEND First-Tier Tribunal in the 2023-24 academic year, an increase of 54.53% on the previous year.
  • Councils spent £153 million defending these appeals, despite a success rate barely above 1%.
  • Over 95% of tribunals are lost by councils to parental appeals.
  • Labour MPs have reportedly received thousands of letters and emails from angry SEND parents, highlighting the depth of concern and frustration in this community.

Sources:

  • The Times
  • Special Needs Jungle

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