Ministers urged to keep care plans for children with special needs

Ministers urged to keep care plans for children with special needs

Ministers are facing pressure to protect the education plans for children and young people with special needs and disabilities (Send), as campaigners stress the importance of education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) as vital legal safeguards. The potential threat of abolishing these plans could jeopardize the access to education for thousands of children, according to critics. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the intricate nature of the system inherited by the government, hinting at possible changes but stopping short of confirming the scrapping of EHCPs.

While details of the proposed changes are expected in October, the government remains non-committal on the fate of education plans for children with special needs. Calls to retain EHCPs are escalating, with campaigners expressing concerns over the risk of children being denied essential provisions or losing access to education altogether if these safeguards are removed. Prominent figures, including charity heads, professors, and Send parents like actor Sally Phillips and broadcaster Chris Packham, have signed a letter emphasizing the necessity of upholding the rights of children and young people in mainstream schools.

The debate surrounding EHCPs has intensified, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pledging to enhance support for children while navigating the complexities of the issue. In contrast, shadow education minister Neil O’Brien condemned the government for its track record of unfulfilled promises and policy reversals. Despite the ongoing deliberations, recent data from the Department for Education indicates an uptick in the number of EHCPs, highlighting the growing demand for tailored support services. Reassurances from the department affirm that there are no immediate plans to dismantle Send tribunals or withdraw essential funding and assistance from affected parties

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