Improved training for early years staff and a smoother transition to adult services are among recommendations made by the children's commissioner for England to improve support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
In response to government’s review of the SEND and alternative provision, set out in a green paper published in March, Dame Rachel de Souza, the children’s commission for England, has set out her vision for SEND reform with “children’s voices” at the heart of it.
Following a consultation with 55 children and young people with additional needs across a range of educational settings, along with an analysis of 650 education, health and care plans (EHCPs), de Souza said in her report, Beyond the Labels: “Children want practical help, not labels. At present the system is overly focused on diagnostics; this often delays help and can inadvertently increase thresholds.”
