The ‘Unpicking The SEND White Paper Consultation’ event was held on 11th March by parent carer group Isle of Wight SEN Support in order to inform parent carers, school staff and other professionals of the proposed changes coming to SEND from the Government’s White Paper.
What the event covered
A parent carer with professional experience presented thoroughly researched details of how the changes will impact families.
The biggest concerns raised were that children’s rights will be eroded under the proposals and that current support that is focused on the individual child’s needs will be replaced by generic packages provided for and decided by already overstretched schools.
Key concerns raised
Amanda Tickle, an Isle of Wight SEN Support co-director, told the meeting,
“Many children who currently qualify may no longer receive an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Children could be moved on to school-based plans instead and as we know they (EHCPs) are the only legally enforceable plan at present.
“There is a risk children could receive less support with fewer legal protections.
“There is a proposed weakening of parental legal rights so parents will instead have to use school complaints systems and mediation processes…school complaints systems are not independent in the same way as tribunals are. Reforms strongly emphasise mainstream inclusion.
“Some children cannot cope in mainstream schools, even with support – it’s just a fact.”
Wider sector alarm
Many other organisations are raising similar serious concerns: IPSEA say,
“Legal rights for children and young people with SEND are not optional extras. Any weakening of those safeguards risks leaving parents without meaningful recourse when provision fails.”
How to have your say
There is still time to influence the proposed legislation as the public consultation closes on May 18th and you can contribute your opinion on the GovUK website.
You can write to your MP (Joe Robertson in East Wight or Richard Quigley on West Wight). IPSEA have a template letter on their website.
For support and more information go to Save Our Children’s rights.
Keep up to date with IWSS’s work on Facebook.
News shared by Jude on behalf of IW SEN Support. Ed
