Reform of mainstream school for children with SEND

3 mins read

Friday 8 November 2024

Tags: education, SEN, maintream education reform

This week (7 November) Bridget Philipson, Secretary of State for Education, announced “bold reform” to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England.

Outlining her vision for a school system where all children feel like they belong, she said that a sole focus on achieving is doomed to fail. She acknowledged that chasing a narrow set of standards causes children with SEND to get swept to the side. Addressing the school environment so that schools are a welcoming, engaging and inclusive environments for all pupils will also be key for tackling school absence.

Bold reform is long overdue.

The Disabled Children’s Partnership’s, which Contact is a leading member, responded to the announced “bold reform” with the following statement:

We are encouraged by what the Secretary of State has said about reforming the school system so that it works for all children, including disabled children and those with special educational needs.  We agree that bold reform is long overdue.

Bold reform must mean a culture change in schools, colleges and local authorities; it must not mean a weakening of children’s vital existing rights and protections.

As the Secretary of State said, we need to see a wider ambition for our schools than just exam results; one that focuses on wellbeing and meeting the needs of all children.  Early years providers, schools and colleges must have the money, resources and expertise, including access to outside specialist support, to enable all children to thrive.

Parents must be seen as partners

 Local authorities and the health service must work with them to provide joined-up support, including the wider provision families of disabled children need.  Parents must be seen as partners – and as experts in their children – not as problems to be managed.  And this must all be underpinned by an accountability system which incentivises local authorities to maintain high standards for children with SEND, rather than relying on parents to battle for support and hold schools and councils to account.

Rebuild parent’s trust

We have long argued there is a need to rebuild parent’s trust in the system.  The way to do that is to build a system that families can see will meet the needs of their children and allow children to thrive. We know this is all easier to say than to deliver. 

It is vital that the government works with families, and experts to get this right.  As the largest and most diverse coalition in the sector – bringing together charities, professional bodies, young people themselves and parent groups – the Disabled Children’s Partnership stands ready to help.