Labour's Overhaul Could Strip Parents of Children with Special Educational Needs of Key Rights

Parents Brace for Battle

Parents of children with special educational needs are preparing for a major fight as Labour's proposed overhaul could potentially strip them of crucial rights.

Funding Black Hole

Councils are struggling with a £5 billion shortfall in funding for special educational needs, with some, such as Hampshire and West Sussex, facing deficits exceeding £100 million by next year.

Crisis Escalation

Without immediate action, local authorities warn that the funding crisis could balloon to £8 billion by 2029, pushing many to the edge of financial collapse.

Proposed Changes

Ministers are reportedly drafting a white paper that could limit parents' rights to appeal for additional support, restrict SEND tribunals, and encourage more children to attend mainstream schools, according to sources within local authorities.

Parental Outcry

Parent groups are outraged and caution that diluting children's legal entitlement to SEND support will only lead to more children in need without adequate assistance.

Call for Reform

Advocates stress that any changes to the law must be accompanied by significant reform and increased investment in special needs education to ensure a more supportive system for children and families.

Government Response

The Department for Education asserts its commitment to addressing the issues within the SEND system, citing additional funding of £1 billion for SEND and £740 million for councils to expand specialized provisions in mainstream schools.