AoC responds to proposed reforms to SEND system

Responding to the government's proposed reforms to the support system for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: "The government is right to be proposing radical reforms to the SEND system because it is not working well. Earlier assessment and more children being supported in their local school, in the mainstream, with better transitions, particularly at age 16 are all good areas to focus on. We all need to carefully consider the proposals, help shape them and then work hard to make them a success, in the interests of children and young people who deserve a system which supports them to thrive in education.

"Colleges will be pleased that the reforms will move away from funding based on hundreds of individual plans, towards funding colleges to have the capacity to meet the varied needs of all of their students. I am optimistic that officials will work with us to design how that can be implemented so that it enhances the brilliant inclusive practice that exists in colleges, including the provision for 19–25 year-olds that is so life-changing for many students. With more stable core funding, colleges will be able to ensure they have the right specialist support services that students need, including occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.

"The reforms should also improve the quality of students’ transitions, whether into college or onto work and to adult social care. This will require a similar change of focus from what can be often a haphazard process to sufficiency planning for groups of students as they move through the education system.

"The consultation document is a good vehicle for us to work with Department for Education (DfE) ministers and officials to do the detailed work about how the reforms will work for young people over the age of 16. This genuinely feels like an opportunity to improve young people’s journeys through the education system into futures where they can work, thrive and play their full part in society."