New independent analysis commissioned by the LGA and the County Councils Network has found that eight in 10 councils believe the Government’s SEND reforms will lead to better outcomes for children and young people in England. However, less than half (43 per cent) feel they will lead to a more financially sustainable system.
The report warns that the existing SEND system remains “peculiarly vulnerable” because of a “surging demand” for assessments during the long gap between publication of the reforms and enactment of the legislation in 2029.
The Government’s reforms propose replacing education, health and care plans (EHCPs) with a new tiered system. The report suggests a substantial minority of councils have already reported a “very significant surge” in demand for EHCP assessments, as parents seek to secure an EHCP before they are replaced.
An LGA spokesperson said: “We are pleased government acted on the calls of councils and set out comprehensive and ambitious reforms to improve the educational outcomes of children and young people with SEND. However, as this report highlights, while the reforms have been largely well-received, there remain significant and very live challenges within the existing SEND system.
“Building the foundations for a new model that meets children’s needs, while working within a broken system that continues to fail them, risks undermining the delivery of the reforms. It is vital government works closely with councils, not just to deliver the reforms, but also to tackle the present challenges in the system.”