Government's Send Proposals to Result in Fewer Education, Health and Care Plans by 2035
The government's long-awaited Send proposals are set to lead to hundreds of thousands fewer students receiving education, health and care plans by 2035, according to recent announcements. This move comes amid findings from a major survey indicating that parents of Send pupils without EHCPs are the least satisfied group within the education system in England.
Survey Highlights Parent Dissatisfaction and Resource Concerns
The Parent Voice Project's report, titled How Schools Work for Every Child, based on a nationally representative survey of over 6,000 parents and focus groups, found that only 38% of parents without care plans felt teachers in mainstream schools had the necessary tools to handle special needs. In contrast, 68% of parents with EHCPs and 71% of parents of children without Send rated the quality of education as high or very high.
Fiona Forbes, founder of the Parent Voice Project, emphasized that while many parents welcome reforms aimed at earlier and more visible support in mainstream schools, success depends on consistency and follow-through in practice. The survey revealed widespread support for greater inclusion of Send children in mainstream schools, but only if adequate resources are provided.
Regional Variations and Attendance Challenges
Other findings from the report suggest potential conflicts between government initiatives and parent perspectives. Ministers are pushing to tackle record levels of absenteeism, with 18% of pupils persistently absent, nearly double pre-pandemic rates. However, the survey showed attendance is not a major concern for most parents, with only 8% citing it as a top challenge, far below issues like underfunding, poor behaviour, and mental ill-health.
Regional differences were notable: nearly 60% of parents in the north-east believe they should be able to take children out of school at will, compared to 37% in London. A father from Oldham advocated for a common sense approach, suggesting flexibility for regular attendees.
Expert Calls for Improved School Engagement
Steve Mills, a headteacher and adviser to the report, stressed the need for schools to build confidence and relationships with parents to boost attendance. He argued that schools should aim to make every day exciting and engaging, encouraging pupils to run through the gates rather than feel forced to attend. This approach, he noted, is already successful in the best schools and is desired by parents nationwide.
As the government moves forward with its Send proposals, the disconnect between policy aims and parent satisfaction highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable education for all children with special needs.
