Rachel Reeves has been cautioned that necessary changes to special educational needs and disabilities will require financial investment. Labour MP Helen Hayes, chair of the Education Select Committee, advised against diverting funds from the “deeply flawed system.” Hayes stressed to Reeves that addressing the required changes will not be cost-free and urged for a commitment to “transformation funding” in the upcoming Budget to facilitate the essential reforms.
The release of the Schools white paper outlining the revamp of the SEND program has been postponed until next year, delaying its initial schedule for this Autumn. This delay coincides with the impending Budget announcement on November 26, where tax hikes and budget cuts are anticipated.
In an interview with The Mirror, Hayes emphasized that improving the SEND system cannot be achieved through cost-cutting measures, as the system is currently in disarray. She underscored the importance of securing transformation funding to stabilize the situation and move towards effective reforms. Comparing the SEND budget to larger sectors like welfare, Hayes emphasized that significant savings cannot be made in the SEND sector, highlighting the necessity of proper funding for sustainable change.
Hayes proposed investing in enhancing teacher and teaching assistant skills, which may involve salary increases, and improving school infrastructure to accommodate children with disabilities, such as those using wheelchairs. She also advocated for investing in early speech and language support as a cost-saving measure in the long run.
Following a recent report by her committee suggesting reforms, Hayes called for a significant shift in the culture surrounding SEND integration in mainstream schools. While acknowledging the government’s focus on inclusivity, Hayes reiterated that such changes will require financial commitment.
A spokesperson from the Department for Education acknowledged the challenges inherited by the government in the SEND system and reiterated their commitment to comprehensive and lasting reform. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing investments in the system, including additional funding to enhance support for children with SEND and the creation of more specialized school placements to promote every child’s success and well-being.
