Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 89
89
Acknowledged
Proposed Bill reforms empowering local authorities represent a positive step for SEND provision.
Conclusion
We welcome the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, particularly the proposed reforms that give local authorities a greater role in key decision- making areas such as the establishment of new schools, oversight of admissions, and the placement of pupils. These changes represent a positive step toward restoring strategic oversight at the local level. Empowering local authorities in these areas is essential for improving coordination across the system, addressing local sufficiency gaps, and reducing reliance on costly out-of-area or independent placements. Currently, without this, local authorities have been unable to ensure that sufficient and suitable provision is available for children and young people with SEND in their area. (Conclusion, Paragraph 312)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the report and highlights its commitment to reforming the SEND system to deliver excellent, inclusive education.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is grateful to the Education Select Committee for its inquiry report into Solving the SEND Crisis and we welcome the opportunity to respond to the Committee. Every child should have a childhood rich in opportunity and with high quality education and care from their early years through to post-16. Every young person’s experience of education should be academically stretching, where every child feels like they belong, and that sets them up for life and work. The Committee’s report rightly highlights the deep-rooted issues which have plagued the SEND system for too long and has resulted in poor experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families. As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to reforming the SEND system to deliver an excellent, inclusive education for every child and young person with a world class curriculum and highly trained, expert staff at every phase of learning. The Government is already taking action to make sure that evidence-based support is available as routine, without a fight, for every child and young person who needs it - from significant investment in school places for children with SEND, to improved teacher training, to our Best Start Family Hubs in every local area.