Chris Packham leads 36-person campaign against Government SEND reforms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Campaigner Chris Packham and 35 others have called on the Government to abandon planned changes to support for children with special educational needs.

Campaigner Chris Packham and 35 others have signed a letter urging the Government to reconsider its proposed reforms to support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The changes were announced earlier this year by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former education secretary Bridget Phillipson, aimed at overhauling a system facing increasing demand and rising costs.

Under the proposals, many pupils would receive individual support plans agreed between parents and schools instead of the current legally enforceable education, health and care plans (EHCPs). Schools would administer the new plans, and parents unhappy with decisions would be directed to challenge the school rather than appeal to an independent tribunal.

Campaigners argue the reforms could significantly weaken families' ability to secure legally enforceable plans, choose their child's educational setting and challenge decisions through independent appeals. They are calling on ministers to retain the existing threshold for EHCPs, preserve parents' rights to appeal to tribunals and abandon the proposed assessment system for individual support plans.

Other signatories include actor Sally Phillips, clinical psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and Guardian columnist John Harris. The Government is currently consulting on the proposed changes, and campaigners hope the new government leadership will reconsider key elements.

How it is being reported

• Chris Packham joins fight over future of SEND support for childrenCampaigner Chris Packham is among 36 people who have signed a letter urging ministers to protect existing rights for children and young people.Romsey Advertiser · 17 Oct, 10:34
• Chris Packham backs parents fighting Government's proposed SEND changesCampaigner Chris Packham has joined calls for the Government to rethink planned changes to support for children with special educational needs.Southern Daily Echo · 17 Oct, 03:30

In this story: Chris Packham · Keir Starmer · Bridget Phillipson · Sally Phillips · Simon Baron-Cohen · John Harris · New Forest

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