Responding to the publication of the government's new SEND and AP
Improvement Plan on Thursday 2 March, Paul Whiteman, general
secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“Many pupils with special education needs and disabilities are
being let down by a system which is currently a dysfunctional
mess and the devil will be in the detail in judging whether these
reforms go far enough in achieving the change needed to meet the
needs of children and their families.
“On the surface, plans to focus upon early intervention, increase
the specialist workforce, improve the Education Health and Care
Plan process, and boost special school capacity, appear positive.
National standards setting out the support and funding children
should receive could work in principle as a way of ending the
current postcode lottery.
“However, it’s unclear whether enough money will be provided to
transform the wider system and ensure it is truly led by pupils
needs rather than the resources available.
“While there can be value in piloting different approaches,
action and investment is also needed now so that children in
large parts of the country are not left behind.
“These plans have been years in the making and we need to see
urgency from the government in listening to and acting upon
feedback and implementing fully-funded changes that make a real
difference for children and families.
“Until the government commits to properly funding the system
based on pupils’ needs, fundamental problems will remain.”
