The LGA says more children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should get the care and support they need in schools and other mainstream settings without the need for a statutory plan.
It has commissioned a new report setting out the case for reforming the SEND system and areas of consensus around where this is needed.
‘Reform of the SEND system: what might the next stage look like and how can we build consensus?’, by consultants Isos Partnership, follows regional and national workshops – involving young people, parents and carers, and leaders of health, education settings and local government – that discussed how the SEND system is not working and could be reformed.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “We fully recognise that these workshops will not represent the views of everyone, nor that there was a full consensus on all the matters discussed; however, they have been invaluable in setting out what the SEND reform agenda could look like.
“This should be an inclusive system where an education, health and care plan is not necessary, with a workforce that has the capacity and right skills, and investing in early intervention.
“Councils stand ready to work with government in tackling these challenges. But we have to ensure the voices of children and their families are heard and acted upon.”
A government white paper on SEND reform is expected in the autumn.