A major overhaul of England's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system risks becoming a repeat of the government's deeply problematic Universal Credit rollout, according to a stark warning from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
The influential economic think tank has raised serious concerns that the proposed reforms, while well-intentioned, may create similar implementation chaos and leave vulnerable children without crucial support during the transition period.
Parallels With Welfare Reform Catastrophe
The IFS analysis draws direct comparisons between the SEND reforms and the controversial welfare changes that caused significant hardship for many claimants. Researchers identified worrying similarities in both the scale of the transformation and the potential for vulnerable individuals to fall through gaps in the system.
Key concerns highlighted in the report include:
- Inadequate transition arrangements for children moving between systems
- Potential for postcode lottery in support provision
- Unrealistic expectations of cost savings
- Insufficient funding for implementation
- Lack of contingency planning for vulnerable cases
Vulnerable Children at Risk
The report emphasises that the most disadvantaged children with complex needs could bear the brunt of any implementation failures. The IFS warns that rushed changes without proper safeguards might replicate the "digital exclusion" problems seen during Universal Credit's introduction, where those least able to navigate complex systems were left struggling.
Researchers stress that while the current SEND system requires reform, the proposed changes must learn from past government failures rather than repeat them. The report calls for:
- Phased implementation with thorough piloting
- Clear accountability measures for local authorities
- Robust safety nets for children during transition
- Independent monitoring of impact on vulnerable groups
- Adequate funding for both existing and new systems
Call for Caution and Proper Funding
The IFS concludes that the government must either provide substantially more funding for the transition or significantly slow down the implementation timetable. Without these adjustments, the reforms risk creating exactly the kind of hardship and inequality they aim to solve.
This warning comes amid growing concerns from parents, educators, and local authorities about the practical challenges of implementing such sweeping changes to support for children with special educational needs.
