SCN0041
Written evidence submitted by Henry Tyndale School
I will use the following quote as my starting point for this submission:
Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Education Committee: “It has been four years since major SEND reforms were introduced and it’s important we examine whether the Government’s stated ambitions for simpler, improved and consistent help for children and young people with SEND have been met”.
Is it simpler?
1.1 I cannot imagine anyone arguing the new system has achieved this aim.
1.2 At our Special School the vast majority of parents found the whole process confusing – some were terrified they were to lose their statements and others were excited at all the extra provision they would get!
1.3 We invested significant time and effort to ensure that matters were well explained by both trusted special school staff and by Independent Advisers. We managed to allay fears over time but it did also become clear that the additional resources and provision advertised by spokespeople for this changed was not matched by resources.
1.4 The vast majority of parents hoped this would mean that the lack of provision from Social Care and Health would be corrected. The new system which includes Health and Care in the EHC plan but excludes them from direction by the Tribunal system is a hugely wasted opportunity. Parents have found it very difficult to believe that Care and Health support that is clearly needed by a child can be turned down because of a lack of resources.
Is it improved?
2.1 Sorry, no it is not.
2.2 The last four years have seen for our children and parents many more meetings, many more forms to complete BUT essentially cuts in Local Authority budgets and as such cuts in Social Care provision. The typical child in my special school receives less support from Social Care than they did 4 years ago.
2.3 The provision from Health has remained roughly the same for the school whilst pupil numbers have risen by 20% - so again the last 4 years have seen Health provision cut for our children and their families. The EHCP system has not assisted children in having their health and Care needs met.
Is it consistent?
3.1 Sorry, no it is not.
3.2 Such a complex system which relies on a demanding Tribunal system to try and ensure provision is always going to be better exploited by the more capable, articulate parents (Assuming they have the time to manage this). A system run by parents winning huge shares of limited resources will mean the most vulnerable children can and often do miss out.
To conclude
4.1 In relation to Education in my school I would argue that the major push to better include parental and pupil views in decision making was already in place with us and in many special schools. As such I think the EHCP reforms only significant impact on schools was probably in relation to increasing teacher and administrative workload.
4.2 In relation to Social Care and Health the reality for our children and their parents is the last four years have seen things get worse. I would not argue that the reforms have caused this deterioration but they have been a distraction. There are basic educational requirements imposed on schools to meet need. There appear to be no basic requirements placed on Health or Social Care to meet need. A child with a major and troubling mental health difficulty can have no provision for over 12 months whilst on a waiting list for CAMHS services. A child with recognised Sensory Processing difficulties can have no access to specialist Occupational Therapy support because Health Commissioners have not included it as a warranted service in their package. A family who had weekly respite can lose it because the centre is closed as the LA budget has collapsed. The SEND reforms have been fully embedded whilst services for SEND children and their families have got worse and needs are not met – If the SEND Reforms were really intended to ensure better and more equitable provision for all with SEND they have been a spectacular failure.
April 2018