Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Families of children with SEND lack trust in the system due to poor communication
Conclusion
Children and young people with SEND, and their families, have little trust and confidence in the SEND system, often shaped by adverse experiences. Inadequate communication and engagement from the Department with parents and carers and their organisations about future reforms, as well as media speculation, has further undermined parental trust in the Department for Education and in the future SEND system. It is wholly unacceptable that families already under considerable pressure should face additional anxiety and disruption. While there is widespread recognition among parents and carers that reform is necessary, there remains deep concern about the form these changes will take and whether they will lead to meaningful and lasting improvements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 107) 158
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for partnership and outlines specific engagement activities, including a Ministerial development group, regional and online sessions, and ministerial roundtables, to rebuild trust and inform future reforms, followed by a formal consultation.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Shared. Education, health and care services should work in partnership with one another, local government, families, teachers, experts and representative bodies to deliver better experiences and outcomes for all our children. The Ministerial team and I are continuing to listen closely to families, teachers and experts, as we put together plans to transform outcomes for every child with SEND. Engagement across our stakeholder groups, from children and young people with lived experiences and their families, to experts and charities, allows us to draw on diverse expertise and experiences. Our engagement will centre around 3 core activity strands: SEND Ministerial development group (to meet between now and the end of January to share insight and help shape reform proposals); Regional and online engagement sessions (from early next month, open to everyone); and Ministerial roundtables. The insights and lived experiences shared during these engagement opportunities will be vital in ensuring that our proposals effectively deliver meaningful reforms for families. We will also continue engagement as part of a formal consultation following the White Paper publication, and the responses received will be carefully considered in shaping the reforms.