Rachel Reeves has been cautioned about the necessity of making reforms to special educational needs and disabilities, emphasizing that these changes will require financial investment. Labour MP Helen Hayes, chair of the Education Select Committee, urged Reeves not to withdraw funding from the currently dysfunctional system, stressing that the essential changes will not be cost-free.
Hayes insisted that for the government to successfully implement the required reforms, there must be a commitment to providing “transformation funding” for the system in the upcoming Budget announcement. The release of the Schools white paper outlining the overhaul of the SEND program has been postponed until next year, delaying its initial schedule for this Autumn.
As the Chancellor prepares to present the Budget on November 26, expected to include tax increases and spending reductions, Hayes highlighted the importance of not reducing funding for SEND, as it could exacerbate the existing challenges in the system.
In an interview with The Mirror, Hayes emphasized that efficient reform is crucial to stabilizing the expenditure level over time and that cutting funds would be counterproductive. She stressed the need for investing in upskilling teachers and teaching assistants, improving school infrastructure for wheelchair users, and enhancing speech and language support in early years to reduce long-term support costs.
Hayes called for a “culture shift” in mainstream schools to better accommodate children with SEND and underscored the importance of inclusivity. She noted that the government’s focus on inclusive education is commendable but cautioned that it will require financial resources.
Responding to these concerns, a Department for Education spokesperson acknowledged the challenges inherited by the current government in the SEND system and reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensive reform and improved support for children with SEND. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing investments of £1 billion to enhance the system and £740 million to create more specialized school placements, aiming to support every child in achieving their full potential.
