Political opinion: More clarity needed on SEND reform, warns Horsham MP
Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne, pushed the government on the future of specialist SEND provision and protection for families in Parliament last week, raising concerns about the lack of clarity in the government’s Schools White Paper.
During Education Oral Questions in Parliament last week (Monday 20 April), Horsham MP John Milne highlighted the vital role played by local specialist schools like Muntham House and Aurora Vincent House, and that current proposals risk sidelining rather than strengthening specialist provision.
He pointed out that “there is currently no clear definition of a specialist school” in the government’s plans and warned that provision risks being “framed as something to be reduced, rather than planned for,” urging clarity on both their role and how they will be funded.
In response, the Schools Minister, Georgia Gould, acknowledged the importance of specialist schools in supporting children with complex needs and confirmed plans to introduce “specialist provision packages” aimed at ending the continued postcode lottery in SEND support.
However, John Milne MP has warned there are still significant concerns about the direction of the White Paper proposals, particularly over access to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne, said: “We have brilliant specialist schools in Horsham providing life-changing support for children with complex needs. Yet the government’s plans raise serious questions about whether this provision will be properly supported and what it will look like.
“I’m hearing real concern from parents and schools about the lack of clarity, particularly around the role of specialist provision, the future of EHCPs, and what this means for families’ rights and protections.
“We need to see investment in both mainstream and specialist capacity as well as an emphasis on early intervention. The government must make sure that these reforms genuinely improve outcomes for children, with mainstream and specialist provision working together where possible to deliver the support every child needs.
“I would encourage residents to take part in the government’s online consultation on these proposals to help push for improvements in the system.”
Complete the government consultation on SEND reform at https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-strategy-division/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-firs/