Change is sorely needed for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
But this reform must be honest, ambitious, and have children at its heart. It cannot see children’s rights rolled back.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey and Education Spokesperson Munira Wilson have received my full support for the way they challenged Keir Starmer to tackle the crisis in SEND.
In their joint letter, they set out five principles for long-overdue SEND reform, and I welcome their offer of working on a cross-party basis to address the issue.
The principles include maintaining the right to SEND assessments for children, boosting special school capacity, improving early identification and cutting waiting lists.
The Liberal Democrats are also calling for more support for local authorities to provide SEND services and better training for school staff.
“SEND reform must be honest, ambitious and have children at its heart”
For too long, a broken system has forced children and families to fight long battles to get the support they need. Outcomes for those children haven’t improved, while council deficits have ballooned, leaving many on the brink.
Many parents are deeply worried that the forthcoming reforms will leave their children worse off, with an erosion of the rights that underpin the support they need.
The lack of clarity from government is leading to worry and confusion. Families are being deprived of the certainty they need to live their lives.