Responding to a new Ofsted and Care Quality Commission report
highlighting how longstanding weaknesses across the SEND system
are impacting young people's transition to adulthood, Rob , senior policy advisor at school
leaders' union NAHT, said:
“School leaders, including those in residential special schools,
have for years been calling out weaknesses in the system when it
comes to helping young people with special educational needs
transition to adulthood.
“This report highlights how an unacceptable postcode lottery and
a lack of capacity in health and social care services to offer
early help mean parents increasingly see securing an Education
Health Care Plan (EHCP) as crucial to at least give their child a
chance of receiving the right support.
“Schools already provide invaluable information about children's
needs, but this could be better used if transition planning began
earlier and services engaged more consistently in effective
collaboration.
“The previous government failed to commit enough funding or focus
on preparing children with additional needs for adulthood or on
the SEND system more broadly. It's vital the new administration
invests in building the capacity of specialist services and
schools and colleges to offer children timely support which is
maintained throughout their education and post-18 to help boost
their life chances.”
