Laura Kyrke-Smith, the Labour MP for Aylesbury, has called for comprehensive reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support system. Her appeal comes in response to a critical report by the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighting significant shortcomings in the current framework.
Critical Findings from the NAO Report
The NAO’s report, released on Thursday, 24 October, painted a bleak picture of the SEND support system. It revealed that the system is failing to deliver improved outcomes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Key issues identified include:
- Insufficient Capacity: Many schools lack the resources to adequately support SEND students.
- Extended Waiting Times: Families face long delays in securing necessary support and placements.
- Financial Risks for Councils: Over two-fifths of councils are at risk of insolvency if the current system remains unchanged.
These findings underscore the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they require.
MP Kyrke-Smith’s Call for Action
In light of the NAO report, Laura Kyrke-Smith raised questions about SEND provision in Parliament yesterday. She highlighted the challenges faced by families in her constituency, particularly regarding waiting times for school places and unreliable transport services.
Representative Concerns:
- Waiting Times: Prolonged delays in accessing school placements for SEND children.
- Transport Issues: Difficulty in arranging reliable transportation for families, adding to their stress.
Kyrke-Smith emphasized the emotional and logistical burdens placed on parents and carers, stating, “The SEND system takes a real toll on parents and carers.” She shared experiences from constituents who feel neglected and stigmatized when seeking assessments and support.
Rising Demand for SEND Support
The demand for support among children with SEND has surged dramatically in recent years. Between 2015 and 2024, there was a 140% increase in children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, reaching a total of 576,000.
Statistics Highlight:
| Year | Number of EHC Plan Requests |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 206,000 |
| 2024 | 576,000 |
Additionally, Bucks Council reported a 12% rise in assessment requests for EHC plans in the 2023/24 period, totaling 7,003 requests. This sharp increase exacerbates the existing strains on the SEND support system, further emphasizing the need for immediate reforms.
Government’s Response and Future Measures
Despite Kyrke-Smith’s assurances that there will be no immediate tax hikes on payslips, the government faces mounting pressure to address the £40 billion revenue shortfall highlighted in the NAO report. The Education Secretary acknowledged the challenges but refrained from providing specific details on how the shortfall will be addressed.
Potential Revenue Measures:
- Capital Gains Tax: Possible increases to generate additional revenue.
- Fuel Duty: Adjustments to fuel taxes could contribute to the budget.
- Inheritance Tax: Elevated rates on estate transfers may be considered.
The government’s reluctance to detail its plans has led to speculation about the exact measures that will be implemented to bridge the financial gap, leaving many to wonder how these changes will impact various sectors, including SEND support.
Political Repercussions and Public Trust
The Conservative Party has criticized Labour for what it perceives as misleading promises and vague commitments regarding the SEND support system. Gareth Davies, the shadow exchequer secretary, accused Labour of “fiddling the figures to whack up borrowing” and not adhering to their manifesto promises.
Opposition Criticisms:
- Broken Promises: Allegations that Labour is not honoring its commitments.
- Economic Manipulation: Claims that figures are being adjusted to justify increased borrowing.
- Public Deception: Accusations of misleading the electorate about fiscal policies.
These criticisms have intensified the political debate, highlighting the delicate balance Labour must maintain between addressing immediate fiscal challenges and upholding public trust.
Moving Forward: Reforms and Support
MP Kyrke-Smith remains determined to work with the government to reform the SEND system. She stressed the importance of incorporating the voices of children, parents, carers, and teachers in the reform process to ensure that the changes effectively address the current shortcomings.
Proposed Reforms:
- Enhanced School Capacity: Increasing resources and support within schools to better cater to SEND students.
- Streamlined Assessment Processes: Reducing waiting times for assessments and placements.
- Reliable Transport Solutions: Improving transportation services to support families in need.
By advocating for these reforms, Kyrke-Smith aims to create a more supportive and efficient SEND system that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.
