Government launches “national conversation” on SEND to put parents’ experiences “at heart of reform”

The "national conversation", which will span every region of the country, will seek the views of parents, professionals and children on topics such as local provision and early intervention.

According to the Department for Education (DfE), Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould will be hosting nine face-to-face events, run in partnership with the Council for Disabled Children, and five online events covering the department’s five principles of reform.

The DfE said: “Attendees can share their views on a range of proposals from experts - such as children having written records of support, giving families access to independent advocacy and providing a national framework for support available to children with SEN across all settings.”

The planned themes of engagement include: 

• Early intervention, including earlier in children’s lives when this can have most impact.
• Local provision, so young people can learn at a school close to their home, alongside their peers, as well as the vital role of special provision for complex needs.
• Fairness, so every school has the resources and capability to meet changing needs – stopping parents fighting for support and ensuring clear legal safeguards for children and parents.
• Effective practice, grounded in evidence to ensure excellent long-term outcomes.
• Shared working that means education, health and care services are working in partnership with local government, families, teachers, experts and representative bodies.

A development group of key stakeholders, including SEND parent groups, will meet regularly with ministers between now and the end of January to drive reform forward.

Meanwhile, a toolkit will be shared with schools and settings to encourage them to share information about engagement on SEND reform with their communities, the DfE noted.

Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould said: “For too long families have felt unheard and left to battle a system that simply doesn’t deliver for their children.  

“We’re committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity for children with SEND, which is why we’re putting lived experience at the heart of our reforms and creating a direct line to parents across the nation.

“We want this to be the biggest national conversation on SEND in a generation, and I urge parents, teachers and all those with views to participate and help us deliver lasting reform.”

Following the publication of the Schools White Paper early next year, a formal consultation will follow to continue the conversation on reform, the DfE announced.

Amanda Allard, Director of the Council for Disabled Children, said: “We’re proud to support the government’s engagement programme on the future of the SEND system. Every day, in our work across the country, we see the commitment to getting these reforms right for children and young people. At the same time, we hear understandable concerns about the risks if they fall short.

“We encourage parent and carers, teachers, therapists, and professionals from councils, the youth justice system, the NHS, and the voluntary sector to share their insights, challenges, and questions. “By bringing together those who use the system of SEND support with those who provide it, we can learn what truly makes a difference in children’s lives and better understand the frustrations and barriers that need to be overcome.”

Lottie Winson