Why is the Send system being overhauled and what might change?

"There were high hopes and broad parental support for the current Send system when it was introduced in 2014 by the then education secretary, Michael Gove, and the coalition government. The changes were intended to overhaul a costly, disjointed, complex and adversarial system and put children and parents at the heart of provision. Tory ministers heralded a landmark moment that would usher in a new era of rights and choice."

"Send spending rose by more than 50% over the same period to 11bn a year (absorbing more than half of school spending increases) but still failed to keep pace with demand. Relationships between parents and local councils (who are anxious to manage access to expensive EHCPs) have become increasingly adversarial. Far from ushering in choice, thousands of parents have been forced to go to tribunal a costly, exhausting and stressful process to obtain Send support."

The Send system was introduced in 2014 to replace a costly, disjointed, complex and adversarial framework and to prioritize children and parents. Since 2018 the number of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) has increased by 80%, while Send spending rose by more than 50% to 11bn a year, absorbing over half of school spending increases. Demand has outstripped funding, producing adversarial relationships between parents and local councils and forcing thousands of parents to pursue tribunals. Councils have accumulated escalating Send debts, projected to reach 14bn by 2027-2028, with a forecast annual funding gap of 6bn. Labour plans to write off 90% of historic council Send debts.

Read at www.theguardian.com