A new report by Isos Partnership, shared exclusively with The i Paper, states that a new SEND system that does not rely on statutory education, health and care plans (EHCP) requires “teeth” to ensure families get the support they need.
The report calls for “significant initial investment” in SEND settings and services and the creation of a national body with the power to enforce standards and protect families’ rights, especially those without an EHCP.
Without EHCPs, parents are scared their children will not get access to the support they need.
It states that non-statutory SEND support has been “hollowed out”, leaving parents now feeling like they have to fight for an EHCP to guarantee any help at all.
“The only way to get support is through the EHCP process…and then you end up bitterly disappointed by the outcome.”
They write: “We think it is vital that a future system provides a much broader ‘core’ offer of support for all children and young people who need it, which does not depend on them having a statutory plan.
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“Furthermore, that offer of support would need to have ‘teeth’ in the sense of effective accountability and routes of redress for families.”
“What we are advocating for is not a reduction in support or entitlement, but instead a system where all children’s needs are supported as close to their home and community as possible, and those with specific needs supported via specialist help,” he said.
Katie Ghose, vice chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, said:“Plans aren’t the problem with the SEND system. The problem is historic underfunding and a failure to identify and meet every child’s needs at the earliest opportunity.
She added: “We are right behind the Government’s vision for inclusive schools, but how will disabled children get to enjoy an ordinary school day – making friends, having fun and enjoying lessons, without plans that recognise and resource their needs?
“As part of our Plan for Change, we will restore the confidence of families up and down the country and deliver the improvement they are crying out for so every child can achieve and thrive, including more early intervention to prevent needs from escalating and £740 million to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools.”
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