Parents of disabled children in England fear that the government’s upcoming special educational needs (Send) reforms could lead to a loss of vital support, a new survey suggests. The poll, conducted for the disability charity Sense, found that 45% of parents of children with multiple complex needs are worried their child’s support will be taken away.
The survey of 1,000 parents, whose children have conditions such as deaf-blindness, autism and physical impairments, also revealed that half feel nervous about the reforms. One in five said their child’s school is not delivering the legally required support outlined in their education, health and care plan (EHCP), while nearly half described the process of securing Send support as stressful.
James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of Sense, said: “A shocking number of children are being failed by a baffling and underfunded Send system. If their children’s legal rights are weakened any further or there’s an attempt to cut spending, the consequences could be devastating.” He called for a properly funded system with protected legal rights and sustained investment in professionals.
The Department for Education (DfE) is preparing a schools white paper, expected in mid-February, outlining changes to Send provision. A DfE spokesperson said: “Our reforms will restore parents’ trust by fixing what isn’t working in the system. We’re ending the postcode lottery by strengthening support and protecting parents’ rights.” The white paper is expected to expand special needs provision in mainstream schools, potentially reducing reliance on expensive specialist places.
According to the survey, a third of parents have left their jobs due to lack of adequate support, and 40% have reduced their working hours. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts Send spending will reach £18bn by 2029, with the DfE’s budget absorbing £6bn in local authority deficits unless the Treasury intervenes. Sense warns that without robust legal rights and funding, disabled children risk being left further behind.
