Keir Starmer pledges to revamp the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support system to provide customized assistance to families. The reform includes allocating £4 billion to enhance inclusivity in mainstream schools, with £1.6 billion designated for an “inclusive mainstream fund” over three years. Additionally, £1.8 billion will be allocated for an “experts at hand” service, employing specialists like Send teachers and speech therapists in every region.
Starmer emphasized the need to eliminate the current one-size-fits-all approach, stating that tailored support matching each child’s unique needs should be easily accessible. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the reforms as a pivotal moment for current and future generations, aiming to ensure equal opportunities for all children.
Recent research by disability charity Sense revealed that parents with complex needs spend over £8,500 annually due to delays in receiving support. Delays in obtaining Education, Health, and Care plans (EHCPs) have led to families resorting to private assessments to address the gaps in support.
Phillipson emphasized that the proposed changes aim to offer better and early support for children without removing existing effective assistance. The transformation is envisioned as a decade-long journey towards a more efficient system, involving parents in decision-making processes for improved outcomes.
Jon Sparkes from learning disability charity Mencap welcomed the initiative to promote inclusivity in mainstream schools, emphasizing the importance of early identification of children’s needs and immediate access to appropriate assistance.
