The five principles that must shape the Government’s SEND reforms
The publication of the School’s White Paper is an opportunity to develop a SEND system that works; for the Government, for education providers, for local authorities but most importantly for autistic children, young people and their families.
As we wait for the paper to arrive, I want to share with you our five principles for reforming the SEND system. It’s what we expect to see in the Paper and it’s how we will judge the effectiveness of the solutions it proposes.
Firstly, the voices of autistic children, young people and their parents must shape decisions at every level from national policy to everyday practice in education. Only 35% of autistic pupils at mainstream schools say they feel listened to when decisions are made about their support. By building their lived experience into policy, we can change that and start to rebuild trust between young people, parents and the sector.
Secondly, there should be a relentless focus on positive outcomes. An effective system must not be judged on how much it costs or where children are educated, but whether they are safe, included in the most appropriate way for them, learning and being prepared for a good quality of life in adulthood. Achieving value for money is about securing the right outcome for the right cost, not procuring the cheapest service.The White Paper must shift the system from being cost-led to outcome-led and evidence-based, tracking real life outcomes and not just statutory processes.
Thirdly, the culture needs to be inclusive at every level. From the Government to local authorities and education providers , there should be a clear culture that celebrates autistic children belonging in every classroom. We are calling on the Government to set clear, consistent national expectations for inclusive practice while upholding and protecting existing legal rights. This includes the DfE modelling inclusive culture through its own communications, policies and reforms.
Fourthly, the system needs to be joined up. Currently, this relies on parents fighting tooth and nail for their child including having totake on the system legally. It’s a system that leaves many autistic young people with their needs not met, missing education and with worsening mental health. The legal framework for a joined up inclusive system already exists and - if upheld and enforced - can make a real difference. The White Paper must not weaken this. We need joint accountability across education, health and care, working together to co-ordinate support and share information. We also need long-term planning for a range of different types of provision so that all different types of need are met.
Finally, SEND system can only succeed if it’s properly resourced. The Government must make sure sufficient and sustained funding and a skilled workforce for supporting children and young people with SEND is in place.
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If the white paper is built around these principles then we can be confident for the future but if not it will be hard to see how it can be anything but a failure. We will judge the Government’s SEND reforms on these principles and we will continue to campaign relentlessly to ensure they are included. The futures of autistic young people depend upon it.
To take further action, add your name to our Absence Notes campaign and make sure every autistic young person has the chance to learn, thrive and achieve.
