Research abstract

Government urged to review changes introduced by SEND reforms

The Special Education Consortium is concerned that fewer children are receiving special education provisions since the passing of the Children and Families Act of 2014 and the revision of the SEND code of practice. By Dyslexia Action

Laura Lurns Last updated October 31, 2016 · 1 min read

A commission has been summoned to determine if the drop in the number of students receiving services is justified. A decrease has occurred in the number of children who have been identified as needing special support services. Under changes by the 2014 Children and Families Act and the SEND code of practice adjustment of 2015, the changes may have altered the amount of children entitled or identified as in need of services.

With a decrease of 2.5% of students receiving services from 2014 to 2015, an alarm was sounded. The statement was made “If there is a genuine decrease in the number of children in need of dyslexia services then that is to be welcomed.” However the lingering concern is that the reorganization has altered the results, and thus students who are in need of support and not getting what they deserve.

Key takeaways

There has been a worrisome drop in the amount of children receiving Special Education (SEND) services in UK schools since a change in 2014.
The drop may be attributed to a ‘decrease in SEN without a statement or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.’
Other concerns such as transitional planning and Post-19 provisions are also topics that must be discussed.

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Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.

Key takeaways

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