The Government’s long-awaited overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support looks set to be delayed again. The iPaper reports that ministers were expected to publish their response to the consultation this month, but Whitehall sources say the timetable has slipped to the new year. The Department for Education has not confirmed a date.
Campaigners, including Child Autism UK, are concerned that children who currently qualify for legally protected support could lose those rights if they fall below the new threshold for specialist provision.
Child Autism UK CEO, Suzy Yardley, said: “Many parents and campaigners have serious concerns that some of the white paper’s proposals could remove or restrict children’s legal rights. The Government must listen to these voices and ensure children and young people can access the support and education they need. At the same time, constant delays mean more anxiety and uncertainty for parents and children who are forced to navigate a broken and underfunded system. We cannot kick the can down the road indefinitely.”
Lucy Powell, the Education Secretary, appears before the Education Select Committee today (4th November), where MPs are expected to ask about the legislation timetable. Last month, Child Autism UK joined 36 campaigners in writing to ministers to urge them to abandon key elements of the proposals. A petition by teenage autistic campaigner TeeJay has also secured a further Parliamentary debate.
Source: iPaper, 3rd November
