What plans do your council candidates have to address SEND challenges?

As local elections near, council candidates are outlining plans to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities SEND. Rising demand for tailored educational assistance is challenging schools and families and shaping voter priorities.

As local elections scheduled for May approach, the provision of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has emerged as a key issue for voters. Increasing demands for specialized educational assistance are placing pressure on both local councils and families.

Growth in Education Health and Care Plans

Between 2015 and 2024, the number of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued across England rose by 140%, according to statistics from the Office for National Statistics. These plans are designed to provide customized educational support tailored to each child's individual needs. However, many families report that existing school resources are insufficient, sometimes forcing parents to keep children at home when schools cannot adequately meet their requirements.

Experts indicate that the increase in EHCPs reflects systemic issues rather than a rise in the number of SEND students. Dr. Paty Paliokosta, an associate professor in inclusive education at Kingston University, stated that EHCPs have become the standard path for obtaining support because alternative measures are inconsistent or ineffective. She noted that this trend points to structural flaws within the system rather than a sudden increase in student needs.

Government Reforms Announced

In February, the government revealed plans to reform the SEND system in England. The Department for Education emphasized that the goal of these reforms is to provide children with timely and appropriate support directly within their local schools. The initiatives will be developed in collaboration with parents and include:

• New training programs for all educational staff
• Enhanced school facilities and equipment
• Access to professional expertise in all educational settings

Families Face Barriers to Support

Residents such as Emily from Crowborough describe the challenges families encounter. Her 12-year-old son, Ethan, who is autistic and has both a learning disability and ADHD, requires more support than his current specialist school can provide. Attempts to enroll him in other schools have been unsuccessful due to full capacity. Emily emphasized that while specialized programs exist, available resources do not meet the growing demand. She also warned that reductions in educational funding could increase long-term reliance on state support and highlighted the importance of early intervention for children with complex needs.

Political Parties Outline SEND Plans

As elections approach, candidates for East Sussex County Council have presented strategies for addressing SEND support challenges:

• Conservatives: Focus on early engagement with families and recognition of parental challenges, citing limited funding as a barrier to extensive improvements.
• Liberal Democrats: Advocate for a medical professional in every primary and secondary school to ensure support is directed appropriately and efficiently.
• Greens: Critique the current system as unacceptable, proposing the removal of bureaucratic obstacles and increased council collaboration with parents.
• Reform UK: Prioritize reducing delays in EHCP processing, arguing that timely support benefits both children and public resources.
• Labour: Support measured reforms, including hiring additional educational psychologists and therapists, improving small group supervision, and enhancing teacher training.

Local Elections Approaching

Voters in East and West Sussex will elect 120 county councillors on 7 May, responsible for managing essential local services. These elections mark the first in five years, placing particular emphasis on candidates' approaches to improving SEND support for children across the region.

Sources:

• BBC News - SEND support and local elections
• The Guardian - SEND reforms and council plans
• Local Government Chronicle - Council candidates tackle SEND challenges
• How will your council candidates tackle SEND woes?

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.