Ministers have decided to delay reforms to the SEND system – and other key education policies – unti the new year to allow enable key proposals to be tested.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has written to the all-party Commons education select committee chair, Helen Hayes, to inform her of the decision.
The letter said: “”We will bring forward a full Schools White Paper early in the new year, underpinned by our belief that high standards and inclusion are two sides of the same coin.
“Through this period of co-creation with parents, educators, experts and representative organisations, we will test policy options being considered and seek views through listening sessions in every region of the country, and fortnightly ministerial meetings with key parent and expert groups.”
SEND campaigners said the delay would add to the concerns of parents, who wanted to see an end to the uncertainty around SEND provision.
Anna Bird, chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, said the delay was “deeply frustrating for parents who need an end to the uncertainty swirling around SEND” provision when their lives are complex enough”.
Bill Revans, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, warned that the system was in crisis with councils slipping further and further into deficit, while families were waiting longer than ever for support.
“Time is of the essence so this delay is massively disappointing. We need comprehensive changes that will make the system sustainable and address the dramatic rise in costs,” he said.
“Anything other than root and branch reform will place councils in a vicious cycle over overspending and worsening services for families.”
However, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Reforming the SEND system is of the utmost importance and the government cannot afford to get this wrong.
“We therefore understand the decision to have a further period of co-creation before publishing the white paper, and we are pleased to see this will allow more time to test proposals with families and teachers.
“It is critical that these reforms have the confidence of parents and schools, and it is sensible for the government to take the time to listen and get this right.”
