Former Labour Education Secretaries Rally Support for Send Overhaul
In a significant political move, five former Labour education secretaries have jointly appealed to Labour MPs to endorse the government's proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system in English schools. The open letter, signed by David Blunkett, Estelle Morris, Charles Clarke, Ruth Kelly, and Alan Johnson, describes the plans as "a once in a generation chance" to rectify a system that is widely acknowledged as failing.
Historical Context and Political Stakes
These former ministers collectively held the education secretary post for a decade from 1997, with David Blunkett serving as Tony Blair's first education secretary from 1997 to 2001. The letter comes ahead of the imminent publication of the schools white paper, scheduled for Monday, which will outline detailed proposals to transform the Send system. This reform is poised to be one of the defining policy challenges of Keir Starmer's administration, with Downing Street keen to avoid any rebellion that could undermine the prime minister's authority, reminiscent of past controversies over disability benefits changes.
The letter, also signed by Jim Knight, a former schools minister and education expert, emphasizes the critical nature of this opportunity. "As former Labour education ministers, we know that this really is a once in a generation chance to change a broken system for good, a unique opportunity to deliver better life chances for millions of children across our country," it states. The proposed changes, to be set out by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, aim to enshrine the importance of children attending local mainstream schools and developing lifelong community friendships, with schools receiving direct support to include children with all but the most severe needs.
Concerns and Support Among Labour MPs
While the Send reforms have been received more positively by Labour MPs due to near-universal acceptance that the current system is ineffective, some remain apprehensive. Key areas of concern include proposed changes to how children qualify for an education, health and care plan (EHCP), which legally entitles them to support, and the potential reduction in parents' rights to legal appeals if they feel their child is not properly supported. The white paper is expected to focus on better inclusion in mainstream schools, with children facing a review when transitioning to secondary school.
Government sources indicate that MPs generally support the direction of the reforms, viewing them as a "good Labour package" underpinned by Labour values. One source noted, "We want parents to get the help they need without being forced into a legal fight with their council. The school system has not kept up with the pace of change that children are experiencing in their lives." However, lingering concerns persist, particularly regarding legal redress mechanisms to hold schools and local authorities accountable.
Broader Implications and Call to Action
The former education secretaries' letter underscores the urgency of the reforms, highlighting that they have been "painstakingly put together after more than 18 months of consultation." It warns against betraying millions of children who deserve better support, stating that the reforms will provide more assistance, not less, after years of inadequate help. "We urge all our colleagues and every Labour member to back those changes as ministers embark on the greatest reform this government has yet laid out," the letter concludes.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition and addressing parental anxieties, with the overarching goal of creating a more effective and inclusive Send system for future generations.
