SEND system needs ‘urgent reform’, APPG report finds
A new report has found that despite increases in funding, the system remains ‘fragmented and under-resourced’
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The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England is in “urgent need” of reform, according to a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for SEND.
It found that despite increases in funding, the system remains “fragmented and under-resourced”, with “significant weaknesses” in coordination, staffing, accountability and early intervention.
Research by the Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the root causes of dysfunction in this area whilst outlining the “pressing need for a more integrated and functional model”.
Other findings that emerged were the importance of early identification and intervention, and the need for a joined-up multi-service approach, supported by legislation that requires collaboration and joint accountability.
According to the APPG report, one of the most significant issues facing the current SEND system was its “fragmented nature”. It noted the delivery of services involves multiple agencies, each of which operates under different objectives, accountabilities and frameworks.
It said these differing priorities and performance targets create silos, meaning that services are often not joined up, resulting in a “lack of continuity and effectiveness in the support offered to children and families”, and “leading to confusion over who is responsible for what”.
The report said: “Despite the government increasing funding in some areas, resources remain insufficient to meet the growing and increasingly complex needs of children with SEND.”
In light of these findings, the report called for a “full system overhaul”, beginning with a redesign of the SEND framework to promote joined-up working and clarity of roles.
It said a “shared vision” across all services is needed, supported by legislation that requires collaboration and joint accountability, adding that funding allocations must be based on “robust” assessments of need and should “empower local areas to innovate”.
Labour MP Olivia Blake MP, chair of the All-Party group, said: “The SEND system in England is in urgent need of reform. Despite increases in funding, the system remains fragmented and under-resourced, with significant weaknesses in coordination, staffing, accountability and early intervention.
“Research by the Local Government Association (LGA) highlights the root causes of dysfunction and outlines the pressing need for a more integrated and functional model. This report explores the reasons for the current system’s failure, the implications for local authorities and the features of a successful SEND system.”