SEND Reform: What the Schools White Paper means for children with Down’s syndrome
21 Together welcomes the long-awaited publication of the government’s proposed SEND reforms outlined in the Schools White Paper consultation Putting Children and Young People First, released by the Department for Education. These reforms come after a prolonged period of uncertainty despite the very real and urgent challenges facing children and young people with SEND, their families and carers.
21 Together provisionally welcomes the ambition to improve the system, including a focus on earlier intervention, greater consistency of support, and strengthening inclusion within mainstream education. For many families, a system that provides the right support earlier and more reliably would represent an important step forward.
However, like the Down’s Syndrome Association, 21 Together notes that significant concerns remain. In particular, there is currently limited clarity about how proposed changes may affect access to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the legal protections they provide. Families of children and young people with Down’s syndrome rely heavily on these rights to secure the specialist support their children need to learn and thrive.
Furthermore, while the aspiration for more inclusive mainstream schools is positive, much more detail is needed about how this will be delivered in practice. Families and professionals will want to understand how schools will be resourced, supported and held accountable to ensure children receive the tailored support they require, whether in mainstream or specialist provision, as well as more detail about national standards, local partnerships, and tailored schools — many of which will take significant time to implement.
To solve the range of challenges within the SEND system, what is required is a braver, fast-moving and well-funded plan. 21 Together is concerned that without greater clarity, pace and investment, the proposals may lack the scale and momentum needed to truly affect meaningful change on the ground for the vast majority of children, young people and families.
What the White Paper does – and does not – change right now
It is important for families to know that the Schools White Paper consultation does not immediately change existing legal rights or duties within the SEND system. The current legal framework — including the Children and Families Act 2014, Children Act 1989, Equality Act 2010 and the statutory SEND Code of Practice — remains fully in force.
Local authorities, schools, colleges and other education providers must therefore continue to meet their existing responsibilities around assessment, provision, safeguarding and equality.
At this stage, the proposals set out in the Schools White Paper and accompanying consultation do not change a child or young person’s entitlement to appropriate support, reasonable adjustments, or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) where this is required. The current legal protections remain in place unless and until any future legislation is passed by Parliament.
Families, practitioners and organisations who would like to learn more about the proposals can also take part in a series of information events being hosted by the Down’s Syndrome Association. These sessions are designed to help families, practitioners and sector partners understand the reforms, ask questions and prepare informed responses to the consultation. More information about these events can be found here:
https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/schools-white-paper/
21 Together will continue to keep abreast of further details as it emerges and will follow the consultation closely, supporting all those affected directly and indirectly with Down’s syndrome across Kent. Anyone wishing to share their views on the proposed reforms can respond directly to the consultation here: SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First
For further information about 21 Together, please contact Kevan Hodges (CEO) via kevan@21together.org.uk