Rachel Reeves has been cautioned that necessary changes to special educational needs and disabilities will require financial investment. Labour MP Helen Hayes, chair of the Education Select Committee, advised Reeves against diverting funds from the current “extremely broken system.” Hayes emphasized that the essential modifications would not be cost-free and urged the Government to allocate “transformation funding” in the upcoming Budget to support the required reforms.
The release of the Schools white paper detailing the proposed overhaul of the SEND program has been postponed until next year, delaying its initial Autumn schedule. This delay coincides with the approaching Budget announcement on November 26, expected to include tax hikes and budget reductions.
In an interview with The Mirror, Hayes stressed the importance of not cutting costs within the SEND system, emphasizing the necessity of stabilizing expenditures through effective reform. She highlighted the urgent need for transformation funding to achieve a more sustainable position and pointed out that the scale of funding required for SEND pales in comparison to other budgetary challenges.
Hayes outlined various areas that necessitate financial investment, such as enhancing teacher and teaching assistant training, improving school infrastructure for wheelchair accessibility, and investing in early speech and language support to reduce future support costs. She referenced a recent report by her committee proposing significant reforms and emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how SEND is integrated into mainstream schools.
Echoing Hayes’ sentiments, a Department for Education spokesperson acknowledged the challenges inherited by the current government in the SEND system and affirmed their commitment to delivering long-lasting reforms and rebuilding trust with families. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing investments, including additional funding for system improvements and the creation of more specialized school placements, to support all children in achieving success and well-being.