There’s a lot of uncertainty right now within SEND communities. Headlines about possible changes to EHCP (education, health, and care plan) entitlement are causing understandable concern, especially in the absence of clear information about what might replace the current system.
SEND stands for special educational needs and/or disabilities
Families are telling us how worried they are. While it’s widely recognised that the system isn’t working – too many children and young people are not getting the support they need, and families face long, complex battles for help – this is not necessarily due to the legal framework itself, which is generally pretty good. The problem lies in poor implementation since the system’s introduction in 2014.
We believe any changes must strengthen, not weaken, children and young people’s legal rights and access to support. Local authorities, schools, and services must be properly resourced and supported to deliver what’s needed. That includes funding, workforce capacity, inclusive culture, aligned priorities in schools, and a broader, more accessible curriculum.
It is also essential to have a proper system of accountability, monitoring and consequences for where the law is not followed.
Although it’s unclear what the government plans to do (at the time of writing there has not been a definitive line emerging from the government confirming what any changes will be), we are working to try and ensure families’ voices remain central to any discussions.
Alongside our work in East Sussex, we are part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), which brings together forums across England. NNPCF representatives regularly meet with Department for Education officials and government ministers, meaning that your experiences feed upwards and help shape national conversations.
Over the next couple of weeks, ESPCF will also be writing to all local MPs to outline our concerns, based on everything we hear on a day-to-day basis from our members.
You may also be interested in national campaigns that aim to amplify families’ voices, for example by IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice):