The Government has set out its plans to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, pledging a “radical expansion in rights” for children with SEND.
Under the reforms announced as part of the Schools White Paper, there will be a new legal requirement for schools to create individual support plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND.
The Government said education, health and care plans will be retained and improved, offering wider legal entitlement beyond an ISP.
It follows the Government also announcing action to end spiralling independent special school costs.
This will see the introduction of national price bands to end unjustified fee variation for the same provision, giving councils the confidence to challenge poor-value placements.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: “For too long, the SEND system has been failing children, young people and their families. Substantial reform is desperately needed so that they get the support they need.
“We’re pleased the Government shares our aspiration that children with SEND who require support do so in a mainstream setting where appropriate, and that all children can reach their potential.
“Councils want every child to get the support they need without parents and carers necessarily having to apply for a statutory plan.
“For improved mainstream inclusion to be successful, all settings need to be empowered and resourced to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, with a workforce that has the capacity and right skills.
“Councils have a key role to play and will need powers to lead local SEND systems, and to hold health and education partners to account, to make sure they are meeting children’s needs.”
- See ‘Every child achieving and thriving’ for the LGA’s initial briefing on the Schools White Paper.