Schools White Paper – LGA response

Responding to the Schools White Paper, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:

“For too long, the SEND system has been failing children, young people and their families. Substantial reform is desperately needed so that they get the support they need.

“We're pleased the Government shares our aspiration that children with SEND who require support do so in a mainstream setting where appropriate; and that all children can reach their potential.

“Councils want every child to get the support they need without parents and carers necessarily having to apply for a statutory plan.

“For improved mainstream inclusion to be successful, all settings need to be empowered and resourced to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, with a workforce that has the capacity and right skills.

“Councils have a key role to play and will need powers to lead local SEND systems and to hold health and education partners to account, to make sure they are meeting children's needs.

“The LGA looks forward to studying, responding and working with government and partners on the White Paper to ensure it meets the needs of children and their families.”