SEND campaigners say media leaks about new reform are disrespectful and cruel

It also suggests that pupils in England with less complex and serious needs, including many with a diagnosis of autism or ADHD, will no longer be deemed eligible for education, health and care plans (EHCPs).

The article referenced a tiered system, previously discussed in the media, in which pupils with additional needs would begin with “universal” support in mainstream settings and progress through the tiers until their educational needs are met. These “specialist provision packages,” developed nationally by a panel of experts, will determine which level of need warrants the highest tier of support for a child.

It added: “Sources said the panel was likely to distinguish between more “predictable” conditions, such as ADHD, autism or speech and language needs, and “exceptional” needs that a school cannot reasonably plan for in advance or support on its own.”

Weakening legal protections is not the answer to the SEND crisis

Campaign group Save Our Children’s Rights, of which Learning Disability Today is a member, said that weakening legal protection for children is not the answer to the SEND crisis, and that the solution is to properly implement and enforce the existing law so that children and young people get the education they need.

It added: “We all know the SEND system is in crisis. There is no disagreement about that. But families do not want to see their children’s legal rights stripped away, as recent media reports have suggested could happen under the Government’s SEND reforms. We need a SEND system that works as it should – where the law is followed, and there are consequences when it isn’t. Not for the rug of legal protection to be pulled from beneath our feet.

“When the law is properly implemented, children and young people get the right support, at the right time, in the right setting. That is the ‘reform’ we need.”

Leaked plans show a lack of compassion

The National Autistic Society said that, having waited for months worrying about what the Government is planning, parents of SEND children will be dismayed that plans are being leaked and drip-fed.

Peter Watt, Managing Director of National Programmes, said: “The disrespect and lack of compassion is shocking. Leaked plans from the Government suggest that EHCPs may be reassessed at each phase of education and will only be available for those with the ‘most complex needs’.

“Any weakening of families’ rights to challenge when their child is not getting the support they need to attend and learn in school will be unacceptable. The Government’s Schools White Paper must set out clearly the legal rights attached to these new plans and how complex needs will be defined.

“The rumours suggest these new plans will be drawn up by schools, SENCOs and all other school staff – but they are already overworked and will need additional guidance, capacity and training if these plans are to be delivered effectively. All school staff must have autism training, so they understand autistic children’s needs and provide the right support to ensure autistic children thrive at school.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said that ministers would set out their full plans “shortly” in a new Schools White Paper, which they said would provide “an expansion of children’s rights” and build on the work being done to create a “truly inclusive system”.