We are still waiting to hear the detail about the government’s long-awaited proposals to reform the

special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system

in England.

Changes to the SEND system will be part of a wider Schools White Paper. While we wait for the publication of the White Paper, we set out what we do know including the stages the White Paper will go through.

How has Contact been involved in shaping the White Paper?

Last summer, Contact together with over 100 charities in the

Disabled Children’s Partnership

published the

Fight For Ordinary report
,
setting out a vision for SEND reform.

We are clear: reform must strengthen support and safeguard children’s existing rights. We’d like to see a legal guarantee of support for every child with SEND.

Yesterday, the Guardian newspaper published the Disabled Children’s Partnership’s red lines, which call on the government to ensure any reform of the system does not:

  • Strip away legally enforceable plans for children who need them
  • Force children out of stable placements or disrupt essential support
  • Narrow the definition of special educational needs to restrict eligibility
  • Abolish the SEND Tribunal, a vital safeguard for families
  • Cut off support at 18 for young people who need longer to transition into adulthood


Read the Disabled Children’s Partnership statement outlining the red lines in full

News round-up

Moving on to the next stage of education with an EHC plan? Important deadline coming up

If your child has an

Education Health Care (EHC) plan

and is transferring to school later this year, 15 February is an important deadline.

By this date, local authorities in England must have reviewed, amended and finalised the EHC plans for children transferring between different phases of education.


Find out more

Government announce travel costs of children with cancer to be covered

The government has announced a £10m financial support package for families of children and young people with cancer to cover travel costs to and from appointments.


Read the government’s press release

for more details about this.

Upcoming events

FREE parent workshop: Supporting your child’s social communication skills (0–5 years, England)

Thursday 5 February, 7–9pm.

If your child has additional needs, it may not be easy learning how to understand and manage their speech, language and communication challenges. Getting the right information and support can be hard work.

This session will help you to think about how best to understand and support your child, and how you can share this knowledge with others who are involved with your child’s development.


Sign up for your free place

on our Eventbrite page.

Drop-in sessions for parent carers in Wales

Parent carers in Wales are welcome to our online events where parents with disabled children can come together to chat, share experiences, and support each other.


Find out more about the drop-ins for parent carers in Wales
,
when they take place and register your free place.


Discover all our free parent workshops

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