The UK government has launched an inquiry to address the vast challenges of reforming Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in England. Announced by Helen Hayes MP, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, the inquiry will investigate the systemic failings that have left children and young people who are designated as ‘having SEND’ struggling to access the education and support they need.
The inquiry comes at a time of growing national concern over the crisis in SEND provision, with parents, campaigners, and educators calling for urgent action to tackle delays, resource shortages, and inequitable practices. As a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) rooted in the South West, WECIL welcomes this scrutiny but urges the government to prioritise meaningful reform that centres on the voices of Disabled people and their families.
SEND services across England have been under increasing strain for years. Many local authorities struggle to meet their statutory duties, resulting in children being denied appropriate support. Parents frequently face uphill battles to secure Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with waiting times and appeals leaving families in limbo for months or even years.
Helen Hayes MP has described the task ahead as “huge,” noting that the inquiry will focus on understanding the barriers within the system, including underfunding, workforce shortages, and inadequate accountability. The aim is to deliver actionable recommendations that can transform SEND provision for the long term.
Locally, Bristol’s SEND services have been the subject of significant scrutiny. A recent BBC investigation highlighted ongoing failings, including:
- Missed Deadlines: Bristol City Council failed to meet statutory deadlines for EHCP assessments in over 80% of cases in 2023.
- Inadequate Support: Families reported being left without vital services for months, with some children unable to attend school due to a lack of tailored provision.
- High Appeal Rates: Many parents felt compelled to challenge EHCP decisions, with Bristol seeing one of the highest rates of appeals in the country.
This comes despite efforts to address longstanding issues in the city’s SEND provision, which has been under review since Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified “serious weaknesses” in 2019.
WECIL’s work with families in Bristol underscores the importance of co-production in designing SEND services. Without meaningful input from Disabled children, young people, and their families, policies and practices risk failing those they aim to serve.
As an organisation grounded in the Social Model of Disability, WECIL emphasizes that SEND reform must address the systemic barriers that disable children and young people, rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. We call on the inquiry to prioritise the following:
- Accountability: Local authorities must be held to account for meeting statutory duties, with transparent reporting and robust oversight mechanisms.
- Adequate Funding: SEND services require long-term, sustainable funding to meet the growing demand for EHCPs and tailored support.
- Workforce Development: Teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff must receive high-quality SEND training, co-designed with Disabled people and their families.
- Inclusive Education: Mainstream schools must be equipped to provide genuinely inclusive environments, with reasonable adjustments made as standard.
- Family Involvement: Parents and carers must be treated as equal partners in the SEND process, with accessible systems that respect their expertise and lived experience.
Moving Forward
WECIL welcomes the announcement of the SEND inquiry as a critical opportunity to address the systemic failures that have plagued SEND provision for years. However, reform must be more than a political exercise. It requires a genuine commitment to listening to Disabled children, young people, and their families, and implementing changes that remove barriers to inclusion.
The inquiry has the potential to deliver a brighter future for SEND provision, but only if it leads to meaningful action. WECIL stands ready to contribute to the process, ensuring that the voices of Disabled people in the South West and beyond are heard and acted upon.
If you are struggling with fair access to SEND provision in Bristol, South Gloucestershire or North Somerset, support is available from SEND and You, alternatively WECIL Navigators are here to help.
