Contact gives evidence to Solving the SEND crisis in England inquiry

2 mins read

Tuesday 28 January 2025

Tags: special educational needs, disabled children, education select committee, government inquiry


Today Contact’s Policy lead for Schools, Imogen Steele, gave evidence to the Education Select Committee’s inquiry into Solving the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis in England.


Imogen has been working with other charities and organisations including Special Needs Jungle and Ipsea to come up with solutions to improve the education system for children with additional needs.

Solutions


At an evidence hearing in parliament today, she was quizzed by MPs about Contact’s call for SEN support to be put on a statutory footing. This would mean that extra help would be available to those children with suspected additional needs, without the need for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). That support could be small group sessions, access to emotional and social help or access to a speech and language therapist. The committee heard that funding for SEN support has not increased in 15 years, and could be one of the factors driving the increase in demand for EHCPs.

Action is urgent


Imogen said: “We are confident that with the right action, meaningful and sustainable change is possible for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Early support is key, as well as good advice and information. Parents knowing that schools will provide a certain level of extra support for children without the need for an Education Health and Care Plan. This could all make a huge difference.


“It’s good the government is genuinely listening to help shape their plans for solving the crisis. But action is urgent. We hear on our helpline everyday of children and families being let down.”


Imogen also made the case for joint accountability for special educational needs provision.

Imogen added: “There should be consequences for local authorities which are routinely not complying with the law.”

She also spoke about the importance of home to school transport for many families and our campaign to close the loophole which means many 16 year olds suddenly lose their transport entitlement despite the law saying that they need to be in school or college until the age of 18.


We have submitted written evidence to the Education select committee, which will now speak to local authorities and schools as part of the next stage of their inquiry.