Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, responds to leaked details of the government’s forthcoming SEND reform plans.
“The current SEND system isn’t working as it should for children, families, or schools, and it is in need of reform. Getting that right is of vital importance and the government has rightly taken time to draw on a wide range of expertise and views. From what we understand of the plans they do have the potential to deliver a better system where children’s needs are identified earlier, and more are supported closer to home in mainstream settings. However, it will be essential that all schools have the resources they need to deliver this provision – the investment in staffing and swift access to specialist support that is required. There is a great deal of detail to be worked through, and it is essential that parents and schools have confidence in what is planned.”