The ‘core principles’ of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms are in the ‘best interests’ of children, the Isle of Wight Council’s education chief has said.
Ashley Whittaker, County Hall’s director of children’s services, said there was however some ‘nervousness’ among certain groups of parents and carers about the government’s proposed changes.
His statements came in response to a question from Councillor Claire Critchison on Thursday (25th June 2026).
The SEND reform plans are intended to address long-standing challenges in SEND provision such as delays in assessment and support, and inconsistencies in outcomes for children and young people, the council has said.
Worries raised by families
However, earlier this year the Isle of Wight SEN Support Group expressed ‘deep concerns’ about the proposals, with parents arguing Whitehall’s ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ white paper focused too much on mainstream schools, making it harder for children to get specialist help.
Whittaker’s remarks in full
Speaking at County Hall on Thursday, Mr Whittaker said,
“The principles within the SEND reforms – I believe that they are absolutely rooted in sound principles.
“There is some nervousness among certain groups of parents and carers about whether the changes that are proposed related to Education Health Care Plans will be in the best interests of children.
“And there are also concerns among some groups, including some schools, about whether the ambition which is displayed in the reforms relating to improved inclusion in mainstream schools are realistic about whether schools will actually have the capacity to do what is being asked of them by government.
“There are risks but I do think that the core principles of it which are around early identification, early support and prevention of escalation of need are absolutely in the best interests of children and if that works it will also result in better value for the public purse.”
Earlier in the meeting, he said this is a ‘very exciting time’ for all things to do with SEND.
Background to the reform plan
The director said that after many years of ‘pondering’ by government on what needed to happen to improve service quality for children and young people with SEND and their families, Whitehall announced a raft of policy changes.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, wrote to the Isle of Wight Council in February to instruct it regarding the development of a SEND reform plan for the local area, Mr Whittaker said.
He added that himself and colleagues from the NHS and across the Island, along with parents and carers, have been involved in developing a reform plan which was submitted to the Department for Education on 19th June 2026.
The government has said changes will mean children receive the right support early on as standard, wherever they go to school.
Councillor Critchison responds
After the meeting, Councillor Critchison, of the Green Party, said,
“Whilst we agree with Ashley Whittaker that we want to see early intervention, the very real concerns of SEND parents should be listened to and acted upon by the government.
“These parents have battled for their children and know the system inside out.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
