What do those affected by SEND reform think about the government's new plans?

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The text you provided shares the perspectives of several individuals with direct experience of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and how the UK government’s proposed plans to reform Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) might affect children and families. Here is a summary of the key points from each person featured:

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### Ailith Harley-Roberts (Parent, Leeds)
– Daughter Thalia has Down’s syndrome.
– Concerned that by 2035, EHCPs will only be reserved for children with the most complex needs.
– Worried about support for her daughter between ages 19 and 25, especially about the risks to EHCP plans that are crucial for planning her future.
– Calls for the government to collaborate with families and clarify how reforms will work in practice.
– Fears that children’s rights could be eroded under new proposals.

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### Kadeem Marshall-Oxley (Former SEND Student, London)
– Diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) at age 9.
– Experienced school exclusions due to lack of support.
– Personalised, consistent support later helped him.
– Fear that reassessment of EHCPs could reduce personalised support for neurodivergent children.
– Positive about SEND inclusion hubs in mainstream schools but acknowledges specialist settings are sometimes necessary.
– Emphasizes prioritizing understanding and supporting each child’s needs to avoid behavior issues and exclusions.

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### Aimee Bradley (Parent of three children with SEND, Waterlooville, Hampshire)
– Concerned about the lack of concrete detail in the government’s White Paper.
– Worried about what might happen if the government changes—whether children’s rights will be protected.
– Focused on the legal rights around challenging support decisions—tribunals are vital for parents.
– Notes some positive elements in proposals but stresses need for more clarification and further work.

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### Marsha Martin (Parent of three children with autism and ADHD, London)
– Founder of Black SEN Mamas, a peer support network.
– Wanted reforms to include staff training to tackle racism and unconscious bias, which can affect decision-making.
– Disappointed by proposal to reassess EHCP entitlements after Year 6, fearing loss of consistent protection throughout schooling.
– Concerned about inequalities in the SEND system.

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### Overall Themes:
– Families worry about reduced access to EHCPs for children who do not meet the “most complex needs” threshold by 2035.
– Anxiety around loss or weakening of legal safeguards and parental rights in the appeals and tribunal process.
– The importance of personalised, consistent support to prevent behavioral issues and school exclusions.
– Concerns about systemic inequalities, including racial bias in SEND assessments and support.
– Desire for more clarity, transparency, and family involvement in shaping reforms.
– Recognition of some positives, such as inclusion hubs in mainstream schools.

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**If you would like, I can help further summarize, analyze, or provide background information about SEND, EHCPs, or government policies.**

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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