Concerns SEND changes will cut young people's support

The chief executive of a college for students with physical and learning disabilities says she is worried government plans could mean some young people losing their specialist support.

The government announced last week that only children with the most complex special educational needs will be eligible for education, health and care plans (EHCPs) from 2035 in England.

Lynette Barrett, from National Star College in Gloucestershire, said it was "critical" for the right support to be allocated to children who need it.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) said there would be three flexible layers of support for children on individual support plans (ISPs).

Under the new plans that are due to come into force by 2035, all students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) would receive ISPs which would be drawn up by schools in consultation with parents.

The ISPs would determine three tiers of support - targeted, targeted plus or specialist - and only those receiving specialist support would be eligible for EHCPs.

Barrett said the reduction in EHCPs would not "reduce the need" among pupils.

"If that is seen to be the way of reducing cost, I think that's probably quite short-sighted because ultimately somebody's needs are what needs the intervention, not a piece of paper that spells that out."

Barrett said the National Star College, which has decades of experience, was determined to play a part in helping to shape the government's plans.

"What I would really like to see after these reforms are more children going through schools and then into further education having a really positive education experience," she said.

She added that it was all about "having the right conversations".

In a statement the National Education Union, which has more than 170,000 members nationwide said that for the reforms to work, the government "must work with the profession and schools".

"They must listen to parents' concerns, and they must make sure that there are enough resources available. Schools are running on empty," the statement added.

"The government must not put more expectations on schools without real additional resources - and the funding currently announced is not enough."

A spokesperson for the DfE said its total investment of £4bn included hundreds of new educational psychologists and speech and language practitioners alongside SEND training for staff in schools.

A three-month consultation has been opened on the government's plans.

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