Almost 50% of parents worry changes to the SEND system could take away vital educational support for disabled children, according to a new Sense survey
Nearly half of parents with disabled children fear that upcoming changes to the SEND system could strip away essential school support, a new survey by the charity Sense reveals. Families report stress, uncertainty, and inconsistent access to legally entitled help, highlighting widespread concern as reforms approach.
Stripping away the limited support SEND children currently receive
New research by the national disability charity Sense shows families are already being let down by the SEND system, with 47% worried that current support could be reduced even further by reforms.
Children and young people who require additional support in nursery, school or college currently access this through the SEND system, by applying for an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) which provides a guaranteed, legal right to support. However, families are facing long delays, inconsistent decisions, and costly processes, often leaving children without the help they need.
The research, conducted by Censuswide, reported the unfortunate experiences of 1,000 parents and family carers of disabled children with complex needs. A total of 48% of parents and caregivers described the process of securing SEND support as stressful, 22% said their child’s school was not delivering the legally binding support set out in their EHCP.
Two in five parents reported being forced to reduce their working hours due to a lack of appropriate support for their child, while 35% had left their jobs altogether.
SEND reforms: A leading cause of anxiety for parents and caregivers
Parents and caregivers are deeply concerned about what SEND reforms might mean for their children’s future, with 50% saying they are ‘nervous’ about the upcoming changes.
The Sense report is launched before the government reveals its long-awaited proposals to overhaul the SEND system. Full details have not been published; it has been reported that options under consideration include removing the legal right to support from some families and shifting responsibility for applying for support from parents to schools.
James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of the national disability charity Sense, said:
“A shocking number of children are being failed by a baffling and underfunded SEND system. Too many are falling through the cracks – at the cost of their happiness, wellbeing and future life chances.
“So it’s little surprise that parents feel deep anxiety and distrust about the upcoming education reforms. If their children’s legal rights are weakened any further or there’s an attempt to cut spending, the consequences could be devastating.
“Instead, the government must listen to families and use this moment to build a properly funded SEND system, where children’s legal rights to education are protected.
“That must include a joined-up workforce strategy and sustained investment in the professionals who support disabled children to learn, so that every child can thrive in the nursery, school or college that is right for them, no matter how complex their needs.”
