Inclusion

IPPR Inclusion Taskforce unveils panel members

Its final recommendations will be published in autumn, providing independent insights to help shape the government’s SEND reforms

Register to get 1 more free article

Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.

No spam Unsubscribe anytime

Want unlimited access? View Plans

Already have an account? Sign in

The IPPR Inclusion Taskforce has announced the members of its newly established panel, as they look to “develop a roadmap to reform England’s failing SEND system”.

Chaired by Geoff Barton CBE, former teacher, headteacher and general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the taskforce brings together leaders from education, policy, and politics, as well as parents. 

The taskforce will address “urgent” challenges in the SEND system, including long delays in assessment, “patchy” provision, and “consistently poor” outcomes for children with additional needs.  

The members include:

  • Geoff Barton CBE – former teacher, headteacher and general secretary of ASCL
  • Baroness Morgan of Cote – former Secretary of State for Education
  • Baroness Anne Longfield OBE – executive chair & founder of the Centre for Young Lives, and former Children’s Commissioner for England
  • Jonny Uttley – CEO of the Education Alliance Multi-Academy Trust
  • Leora Cruddas CBE – founding chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts
  • Wasim Butt – national director at Ormiston Academies Trust
  • Hilary Spencer – CEO of Ambition Institute
  • Margaret Mullholland – SEND specialist at ASCL and advisor to the UK government
  • Susan Tranter – chief executive of EdAct Trust
  • John Pearce – former President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS)
  • Chris Paterson – acting co-CEO at the Education Endowment Foundation
  • Sarah Clarke and Jo Harrison – parents and co-chairs of the National Network of Parent and Carer Forums

The taskforce said that by gathering evidence from children, families, educators, local authorities, and support professionals, it will develop a “robust” set of principles for education reform. 

Its final recommendations will be published in autumn, providing independent insights to help shape the government’s SEND reforms.

As part of the taskforce’s work, Barton will host two podcasts each week, exploring the challenges and opportunities for reform in England’s SEND system. He will speak to parents, practitioners, and policymakers, sharing their experiences, insights, and ideas for change. 

The taskforce will also hear evidence from panels of educators, families, and other professionals working in the system.  

Barton said: “The current SEND system is letting down far too many children, their families, and the professionals working tirelessly to support them. This taskforce brings together people with the expertise, lived experience, and determination to imagine a system that works for everyone — and to set out a practical plan to get there. 

“It will be supported by a suite of podcast conversations designed to illuminate many key aspects of how we make our education system genuinely work for every child and young person from every background.”

Professor Ashwin Kumar, director of research and policy at IPPR, added: “Fixing the SEND system is not only a moral imperative, it’s essential for our country’s future. Too many children are being denied the support they need to thrive, and the cost of inaction is measured in wasted potential and growing inequality. This taskforce will bring together the evidence, expertise and lived experience needed to set out a credible plan for change.”

Back to top button