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Kate McGough, an education reporter at BBC News, published an article detailing the challenges faced by children and young people with special educational needs in obtaining timely support plans. Government data revealed that only 46% of education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) were issued within the 20-week deadline in 2024. The Department for Education acknowledged that local authorities are overwhelmed and committed to introducing widespread reform in the coming months. Concerns were raised by parents and charities regarding potential changes that could involve replacing EHCPs altogether.
Sue, a resident of the Wirral in Merseyside, shared her experience of the lengthy process involved in securing an EHCP for her daughter Matilda, who waited 72 weeks for the plan. Matilda, who receives additional support for suspected autism and ADHD, is approaching the end of her primary school years. Despite the delay, Sue worries about Matilda’s transition to secondary school due to her struggles with change. Impacts of the delay and concerns about potential reforms to EHCPs weighed heavily on Sue, emphasizing the importance of these plans for children with special needs.
The number of children and young people in England with EHCPs has surged to 638,745, marking an almost 11% rise from the previous year. An EHCP serves as a legal document outlining the necessary support for special educational needs. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has expressed a preference for more mainstream support for children and allocated £740 million to aid schools in adaptation. While nearly 1.3 million students receive special educational needs support without an EHCP, the plans hold significance for parents advocating for the rights and tailored assistance outlined in them.
Katie Gauche, from the Disabled Children’s Partnership, stressed the importance of retaining individual plans for families of children with special needs. The prospect of scrapping EHCPs raised concerns about children’s rights to education and support. The National Audit Office highlighted financial sustainability challenges within the SEND system, urging comprehensive reform to support families effectively. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the issues faced by overwhelmed local services and emphasized ongoing improvements to address these challenges with a Plan for Change
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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