Government unveils plans to reform the SEND system: CCN response
Today the government has published its long-awaited reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, and will now consult on its plans over the next twelve weeks.
The County Councils Network (CCN) will be assessing the plans in the coming weeks, but many of the proposals set out in the network's 2025 report, included a greater emphasis on inclusion in mainstream schools are included in the consultation.
Below, the CCN responds to today's publication of proposals.
Cllr Bill Revans, SEND Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said:
“For years, the County Councils Network has warned that the present SEND system is not working for young people nor for local authorities. Over £30bn has been invested into a one size fits all system where education outcomes haven’t improved. Meanwhile, councils have racked up unsustainable spending on services and we, local leaders, have felt families’ frustrations as they have faced longer waits for support. At present, many families believe that an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is the only route to secure support for their child.
“Whilst the devil will be in the detail, the proposals represent a potential radical overhaul of the system whereby mainstream schools are resourced to support more pupils with SEND needs. This should help ensure that more young people are supported in their local school with the requisite help in place without the need for an EHCP or a specialist placement, with a focus on prevention and early intervention within the wider system, including early years. We also support measures to address the escalating costs of private placements.
“It is important to retain the tribunal system, but proposals to rebalance this process are correct. At present, tribunals can rule without any consideration for the costs beholden on the local authority’s limited budget – a root cause of the present financial crisis the system has generated for councils. A rebalancing so it is more equitable to all parties – addressing where faults have been made, but in line with the rights afforded to all children in the existing admissions process will make for a fairer system.
“Whilst further clarity on some elements may be needed, overall local authorities are set to continue to play an important role within any new system, overseeing support and the commissioning of services and specialist staff. We have long recognised that root-and-branch change will take time as it is important we get these changes right. Therefore, the timescales set out seem reasonable and immediate investment into mainstream schools to boost inclusion is important, but it remains to be seen whether the level of investment announced today is sufficient and government must ensure a fair distribution of resources considering the education in county areas has been underfunded for many years.
“We know that the government will take over SEND costs in 2028 but for the next two years councils will remain under significant pressure with many struggling with unprecedented demand for services. Further resource for councils to bridge this period and enable councils to recruit the levels of staff to speed up support requests will be vital in ensuring a strong foundation for these reforms to the system. At the same time, the cost of transporting SEND children to school will remain a particular challenge, especially on rural councils and this will need addressing.
“The big prize on offer here is the chance to improve educational outcomes and experiences for young people with SEND. Doing nothing is not an option and could damage young peoples’ futures so this is why it is vital that the government ensures that these reforms are introduced as outlined today: altering the system to a more needs-led, preventative model of inclusive mainstream schools. The CCN will be engaging with its councils on the detail of these proposals in the coming weeks.”
