Change In Council's Handling Of SEND Cases From MPs

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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MPs' Concerns Regarding Council SEND Processes

MPs across the country are raising serious concerns about the current state of SEND support provision within local councils. Their concerns highlight a system struggling under the weight of inadequate funding, inefficient processes, and a lack of accountability. Key issues raised repeatedly include:

• SEND support delays: Families report waiting months, even years, for assessments and the implementation of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. These delays significantly impact a child's educational progress and overall well-being.
• Inadequate SEND provision: Many children are not receiving the appropriate level of support, leading to educational underachievement and social isolation. This includes insufficient access to specialist teachers, therapists, and other essential services.
• SEND funding cuts: Reduced funding at the local council level is directly impacting the quality and availability of SEND services. This leads to larger caseloads for already overworked staff and compromises the level of support children receive.
• SEND case management failures: Poor communication, lack of coordination between different agencies (schools, health services, social services), and a general lack of transparency are consistently cited as major issues.

Examples of cases raised by MPs: Several MPs have highlighted individual cases where children have suffered significant setbacks due to systemic failures. One example involved a child waiting over two years for an EHC plan, leading to significant learning gaps and emotional distress. Another highlighted the lack of adequate support for a child with autism, resulting in exclusion from school.

Key Demands for Improvement from Parliamentary Pressure

Parliamentary pressure has resulted in a series of demands for substantial SEND reforms. MPs are calling for a fundamental shift in how local councils manage SEND cases, emphasizing the following key improvements:

• Improved communication: Greater transparency and proactive communication with families throughout the entire process. This includes regular updates, clear explanations of decisions, and readily accessible information about available support.
• Faster assessment processes: Streamlining the assessment process to reduce waiting times for EHC plans and ensure timely access to support. This might involve improved training for assessors and better use of technology.
• Increased SEND funding: Significant increases in funding to ensure sufficient resources are available to provide the necessary level of support for all children with SEND.
• SEND staff training: Comprehensive training for council staff involved in SEND case management to improve their understanding of SEND needs and best practices. This includes training on communication, effective case management, and collaboration with other agencies.

Council's Response to Parliamentary Scrutiny and Implemented Changes

In response to the mounting pressure, many councils have acknowledged the shortcomings in their SEND case management systems. However, the extent of their response varies considerably. Some councils have implemented concrete SEND policy changes, while others have only made vague commitments to improvement.

Specific changes implemented: Some councils have reported progress on:

• Reducing assessment waiting times through the implementation of new software and improved workflow processes.
• Increasing the number of specialist staff, such as educational psychologists and speech therapists.
• Investing in new training programs for council staff working in SEND.
• Establishing new family liaison roles to improve communication and support for families.

It is crucial, however, to note that the effectiveness and impact of these changes need further evaluation and monitoring.

Impact of Changes on Children and Families with SEND

The impact of these SEND reforms on children and families is still unfolding. While some families report positive changes, many continue to face significant challenges. Anecdotal evidence suggests improvements in communication in some areas, but significant delays in assessments and inadequate support remain widespread.

• Positive impacts: Some families have reported shorter waiting times for assessments and improved communication with council staff.
• Ongoing concerns: Many families continue to experience delays, inadequate provision, and a lack of appropriate support for their children. The overall impact of the changes requires further monitoring and evaluation through regular data collection and feedback mechanisms.

Conclusion: Securing Better SEND Support: The Ongoing Need for Change

The concerns raised by MPs regarding the council's handling of SEND cases highlight a system in desperate need of reform. While some councils have responded with positive changes, significant challenges remain. The need for improved SEND processes, increased funding, and better training for staff is paramount. To ensure that all children with SEND receive the support they deserve, it is vital to:

• Demand better SEND support: Families must actively engage in advocating for their children's needs and hold councils accountable for providing adequate support.
• Monitor your local council's SEND performance: Stay informed about your council's performance on SEND issues and hold them responsible for delivering on their promises.
• Advocate for SEND improvements: Work together with other families and support organizations to push for lasting improvements in the SEND system.

For support and further information on SEND rights and services, visit [insert relevant website links here]. The fight for better SEND support is an ongoing one, and your involvement is critical.