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LGA welcomes SEND reform plans but calls for greater powers and resources for councils
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The Local Government Association (LGA) has welcomed the Government’s proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, while warning that councils will require additional powers, funding and workforce capacity if the changes are to succeed.
Responding to the announcement, LGA Chair Louise Gittins said the current SEND framework has been failing children, young people and their families for too long, and that significant reform is needed to ensure support is delivered more effectively.
The Government’s proposals, expected to be set out in an upcoming White Paper, aim to increase the number of children with SEND supported in mainstream education where appropriate, while reducing reliance on statutory education, health and care plans. The LGA said it supports the principle that more children should be able to receive the help they need without families having to go through complex statutory processes.
Gittins said councils share the Government’s ambition for greater inclusion in mainstream settings, but cautioned that schools, colleges and other providers must be properly resourced and staffed to meet the needs of children with additional needs.
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She added that improved inclusion will only be achievable if the education, health and care workforce has the capacity and specialist skills required to support pupils with SEND, and if local authorities are given a stronger leadership role within local systems.
According to the LGA, councils will need clearer powers to coordinate SEND provision and to hold partner organisations, including health bodies and education providers, accountable for delivering support to children and young people.
The association said it intends to work with ministers and sector partners as the proposals develop, and will respond formally to the White Paper once published to ensure the reforms reflect the needs of children, families and local authorities responsible for delivering SEND services.
