Reforms to special educational needs system in England must not be cost led

2 mins read

Tuesday 4 March 2025

Tags: special educational needs, disabled children, schools, education


There has been a media report that the government is due to publish its proposals for major changes to the special educational needs system in England.


The Guardian newspaper article says that the Government will be publishing a White Paper in the Spring to help reduce the deficits that local authorities have.


Contact is concerned that this is before ministers and officials have had a chance to speak to parents, young people and charities.


Imogen Steele, Contact’s Policy lead for Education, said: “Contact would strongly oppose proposals which reduce the rights of children with disabilities and additional needs.


“We know that short term cost cutting, leads to greater need and higher costs in the future.


“We want to see standardised SEN support readily available across mainstream schools. This would include small group support, adult support during break time, visual cues such as pictures and task boards and access to emotional support including a class exit card. We also must see education, health and social care working together to ensure needs are met at the earliest stage and a well-trained workforce, with the ability for schools to call in expertise as needed.”