SEND Reform: Some Initial Reflections

As an SEN parent, it can often feel as though the whole world is against you. Exhaustion and overwhelm are embedded deeply in daily life, and the navigation through school support is dark, fruitless and treacherous to say the least. The glimmering hope of light at the end of the tunnel started with the publication of the SEND White Paper a few days ago.

Whilst still in the consultation stages, it is critical we get this right; parents and carers must be central to moulding this change to SEN practices. The document has been a beacon of light for some, but furthered teetering anxiety for others. At first glance, the White Paper does well to understand the brokenness of the current system and the problems parents like myself face. There is a sense of relief to see staff training in SEND improve, with mainstream inclusion widening to become standard.

The issue, however, is when this comes to being put into practice in real time. The fractured relationships between parents and schools are at an all time high; how can we tangibly see and trust that what is being offered will be upheld? My daughter was left at school unable to eat properly as her disability affected the dexterity of her muscles, but it took almost a year of pushing for adapted cutlery for this to be put in place. She would have benefited profoundly from some early intervention; and so I welcome the idea of an ISP.

The universal introduction of ISP’s (Individual Support Plans) will in some instances replace the need for an EHCP (as these will be reserved for the more complex cases of SEND). Considering the fight most parents have on their hands to even start the process of an EHCP, let alone obtain the document itself, this is a step in the right direction. We urgently need assurances that these plans will be enforced correctly, though, and if not, what powers as parents do we have to enforce them?

So often, the anxiety of a SEN parent continues well after leaving school gate, as we have no one to hold to account and the powerlessness to help our children is crippling to deal with. Like many others, I had to fight tooth and nail to get support for my daughter, so the assurances I need to trust the system again would be to see proof in action that her needs are constantly being met. I wonder if the responsibility of implementation of an ISP would then lie with the school and not with the local authority, (like EHCP’s) whether this creates more pressure on an already struggling school system? I noticed some assurances about this in the paper, as it outlines that the procedure should improve transparency and prioritise earlier resolution, while still allowing access to a SEND tribunal if needed.

Much of what has been outlined to offer support is positive, but the benefits may not be reaped years to come. We need the support now. In fact, we needed it last week and years ago. We need as much support as possible to filter through to our classrooms as quickly as possible, without the quality of that support being affected. We need to change the way staff and teachers perceive disabilities, and to tailor support wherever we can to make sure no child is left behind. The White Paper is a hopeful step towards achieving a brighter future, but we need to iron out the small print so we do the very best we can for the children who need us to speak up for them