With reference to provision in schools for special educational needs and disabilities (Send), Anne Longfield is right to say that problems need to be identified early (Send provision in ‘vicious downward spiral’, says former children’s commissioner, 23 December). Her call for the expansion of and investment in Sure Start centres is the right one, together with her call for a focus on more inclusivity in mainstream schools.
As some parents attest, children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) can thrive alongside their mainstream peers when good additional support is provided. When this erodes, the negative impact on individual children and classroom life becomes evident. So it is understandable, although questionable, when a headteacher with Send expertise calls for more funding for special schools as the answer to the problem.
