Political consensus is an unusually rare commodity these days, but there does seem to be unanimous agreement that the present system for helping children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) needs radical reform. Aspects of the current regime are grotesque, if not cruel, and have inflicted great distress on children, parents, teachers and everyone else involved. It is a major concern at every level of the state.
The process by which a family can obtain a legally enforceable EHCP (education, health and care plan) can be arduous and can end up in expensive litigation. This is not only absurd but dehumanising. Responsibility for running and funding the system is illogically diffused across schools and colleges, local authorities, the NHS and the Treasury. It is also increasingly expensive.
