Children’s commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza is calling for “radical reform” of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system to ensure delays around support for families are addressed.
She is particularly concerned that it is “still taking far too long” for children to get education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which are often needed to unlock support.
Even when approved, plans are blighted by delays in ensuring they are effectively reviewed and updated to consider children’s changing needs.
Another concern raised by de Souza is the increasing number of appeals made by families to challenge councils’ decisions around the plans.
