At this year’s Conservative Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute has partnered with Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) to hold a public panel: How do we solve the crisis in the special educational needs system?
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are some of the most educationally disadvantaged in the English school system. EPI research finds that the gaps at each educational phase, while they have been narrowing over time, remain significant. Children who receive SEN support in school were 23 months behind their peers with no identified SEN at the end of KS4 in 2022, while for children with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) the attainment gap was almost three and a half years. Previous EPI research has found that four in ten children will be identified as having SEND at some point between the ages of 5 and 16.
We know the current system is not fit for purpose to support these children: a shortage of specialist school places is driving up costs; teacher training (ITT and ECF) do not include information about particular SEND needs, diminishing the chance for early recognition of children’s needs; there are months-long wait times for EHCPs; funding is based on poor data not taking into account the cost of provision and there are major difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified teaching and support staff. All of which is compounded by rising need.
As the scale of the policy challenge grows, so does the uncertainty on how to fix it. In their manifesto, the Conservatives pledged to “transform education for children with special educational needs […] by delivering 60,000 more school places” and 15 more special schools. While welcome commitments, one key omission is any mention of high needs funding, a crucial policy to consider if any improvement in the system is to be achieved.
This panel will bring together politicians, school leaders and education stakeholders to bring clarity to the debate. The panellists will consider what reform should look like to improve the system, with a particular focus on the role of early intervention to provide support before needs escalate. Recognising the significant problems facing the sector, participants will discuss which areas to prioritise for immediate action and the next steps for action, alongside considering how the Conservative’s pledges can be rolled out effectively and what more may need to be done.
We are delighted to be joined by Pepe Di’Iasio, ASCL; Sam Booth, Schools Week and Katie Ghose, Kids, with more speakers to be confirmed. Natalie Perera, our Chief Executive, will chair this panel.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Conservative Party.**
