SEN reforms
More details SEN consultation
On the 4th October the government published a consultation giving more details of plans to overhaul the special educational needs (SEN) system. The aim of the consultation is to ensure that children with SEN access all appropriate extra assistance.
The 0 to 25 SEN Code of Practice which provides practical advice for professionals and families on how to support children and young people with SEN has also been revised by the government. The new code reflects the changes being introduced by the Children and Families Bill, such as the introduction of personal budgets and reformed arrangements for 16- to 25-year-olds in further education and training.
The new system is due to be phased in from September 2014. The government is also consulting on this timetable.
SEN Green Paper
Furthermore, ministers are considering how to ensure parents can send their child with SEN or disabilities to their preferred educational setting – whether that is a mainstream school, special school or an academy. In order to answer this question, Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather, has called on parents, charities, teachers and LAs to contribute to the Government’s SEN Green Paper.
“Children with special educational needs and disabilities should have the same opportunities as other children, but the current system is so adversarial that too often this doesn’t happen. I want parents, teachers, charities, teaching unions and local authorities to come forward with the changes they think are needed to make the system better for children with SEN and their families”.
Sarah Teather
Early identification
The paper, due to be published in the autumn, aims to improve radically the entire SEN system. It will cover issues including:
- School Choice
- Early Identification
- Assessment
- Funding
- Family Support
Ministers are currently considering how to:
- make the system for funding for children with SEN and disabilities and their families, more transparent and cost effective while maintaining a high level of service.
- involve parents in any decisions about the future of special schools and prevent unnecessary closure of special schools
- help young people with SEN and disabilities post-16 to succeed after education
- identify children with additional needs earlier through improved diagnosis and assessment
If your child has SEN, ITS can help.
If your family member has SEN which impact on his/her speech, language or communication skills, ITS can help. We would be happy to provide you with an assessment and therapy programme relevant to your child’s needs and aspirations. All therapy programmes are client-centered and negotiated with family prior to implementation.
How can I contact ITS?
Telephone: 0845 838 291. We are happy to provide a complimentary telephone consultation.
Confidential Enquiry Form
Further information
SEN and disability green paper: government calls for views
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sen-and-disability-green-paper-government-calls-for-views
More detail on special educational needs reforms
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-detail-on-special-educational-needs-reforms
Statements scrapped in radical reform of SEN
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6225698
Victoria Taylor
08/10/2013
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.
I.T.S is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire, East Midlands and Southern England. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists