In a significant move to allay fears among families, Education Minister Georgia Gould has publicly reassured parents that children with special needs in England will not lose their current school places or levels of assistance. This announcement comes as the government proceeds with its controversial overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision, aiming to reshape support systems across the country.
Reassurance Amid Reform
During an online forum, part of the Department for Education's "national conversation" on changing Send provision, Gould directly addressed concerns that the government might strip away vital support. She stated emphatically, "No child is going to be asked to leave the school that they're in. So I just want to give that reassurance." This message was delivered in response to repeated questions from parents about school places and the future of education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which are legal agreements that underpin support for pupils with special needs.
Parental Fears and Legal Rights
Gould acknowledged the deep-seated anxieties among parents, many of whom have battled local authorities to secure EHCPs, with some spending up to £30,000 to obtain support under the current system. In an interview, she expressed empathy, saying, "I don't blame any parent who's fighting for their child, I would do the same." She emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring that support is provided earlier and more clearly, without removing existing legal rights. Gould clarified, "We've been really clear throughout that there will always be a legal right to additional support."
Plans for Mainstream and Special Schools
The government's strategy involves enhancing mainstream schools with resources to offer specialist support readily, thereby reducing the need for EHCPs. Gould highlighted a £3 billion capital funding plan for mainstream units and special schools, along with extra training for teachers. She affirmed the continued importance of special schools, noting, "There are some children who need that specialist provision. We want a system that works together so mainstream schools are learning from the best that happens in special schools."
Long-Term Transition and Immediate Steps
The upcoming schools white paper is expected to allow children with existing EHCPs to retain them indefinitely, including rights to appeal to Send tribunals. A decade-long transition is anticipated to build capacity in mainstream schools before major changes take effect. In the shorter term, schools will receive greater resources and budgets to accommodate more children with special needs, including specialist units within every mainstream secondary school.
Addressing Trust and Implementation Challenges
Gould recognised the skepticism among parents and campaigners, citing feedback from forums where concerns were voiced about the feasibility of the reforms. She acknowledged, "Somebody said: what you're describing sounds like Nirvana but it's a million miles away from our experience in the system now." To address this, she stressed the need for a collaborative approach, saying, "This is not going to change overnight, it's something that we're going to have to build together."
With about 460,000 school-age children currently holding EHCPs, and nearly half already in mainstream schools, the reforms aim to shift focus towards early intervention and inclusive education. The goal is to ensure that a formal diagnosis is not a prerequisite for support, enabling all children to learn alongside their peers with reasonable adjustments. As the government moves forward with these plans, Gould's reassurances seek to provide stability and hope for families navigating the complex landscape of special needs education.
