Campaigners and teaching unions have warned that Labour's overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision could worsen the current crisis and leave some of the most vulnerable children "abandoned" with their life chances in tatters. They argue that efforts to place more children with special needs into mainstream schools could backfire with catastrophic consequences unless vital support is in place.
There is concern that the changes could result in fewer children receiving dedicated education, health and care plans, making it harder for families to secure the teaching children need. Critics warn there are already shortages of trained staff, therapists and suitable facilities in mainstream schools, heightening fears that pupils with complex needs will not get the support they need.
Coalition warns of 'abandoned' children
Helen Saul and Neil Giles, who chair the SEND Matters coalition, warned in a joint statement that Labour's reforms "risk abandoning some of our most vulnerable children". They said that pushing them into mainstream schools without adequate specialist support "could force them out of education altogether and permanently damage the future life chances of all children".
They added that the plans "will result in some specialist schools closing" and cautioned: "Prioritising short-term savings risks jeopardising the education, and indeed lives, of these children. We call on the Government to reconsider… Too often it feels as though the Government simply isn't listening to the very people who know the system best – parents and teacher."
Union leaders raise safeguarding concerns
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT union, said: "The crisis gripping our SEND system was not created by children, it was not created by families, and it was not created by teachers. This crisis is the direct result of years of calculated underinvestment in our education, health, care, and local services. Inclusion without investment is not reform. It is nothing more than the government transferring responsibility and risk away from Whitehall and onto the shoulders of schools and individual education professionals."
Warning of safeguarding dangers, he said: "If the Government continues to press ahead with their plans after teachers have raised such concerns, they will not just be reckless – they will be negligent. Our children, teachers, and all those working in schools and colleges deserve better than a desperate rehash of a SEND system that is designed to save money before it saves education."
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the NEU teaching union, also raised concerns, saying: "We should not and must not cut corners on SEND. The aspirations on addressing need and inclusion are good, but they ring hollow when facilities and funding falls well short of what is required… In the upcoming budget the Chancellor should put his money where the government's mouth is and deliver for young people."
Conservative criticism and government response
Conservative shadow education minister Saqib Bhatti claimed there is a "£2billion gap in the SEND budget", saying: "The state sector is going to face enormous pressure, and Labour's decision to axe plans for a number of new special schools is a huge error. Mainstream education won't always be right for every child."
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: "Our £4billion-backed SEND reforms will make sure that every child gets the right support, locally, without a fight – and we're investing now so the system is ready for this transformation. We're backing schools to put inclusion at the heart of school life – rolling out inclusion bases and access to specialist support in every single school, and training for every teacher. That's on top of £3.7 billion to create 60,000 specialist places across the country for the children that need them. We're carefully reviewing the responses to our consultation and will continue to work closely with schools and families so everyone has confidence in the system we're building."
