National Star responds to Government SEND proposals

National Star fully supports the government’s vision of a society where disabled young people and their families get the support they need without having to fight for it.

The government’s White Paper outlines a proposal that would result in a more inclusive education system for all children and young people with SEND. It promises desperately needed extra investment, early intervention and a fair allocation of support through a legally backed plan.  

‘Every parent wants their child, regardless of their disability or need, to enjoy the ordinary things like a nursery, school or college where they feel safe, with staff who know how to teach them, and a chance to play and make friends and to grow into confident young adults,’ says Lynette Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of National Star. 

‘This proposal could transform schools’ and colleges’ ability to allow more young people to have those ordinary experiences. It was heartening to see that the government recognises that specialist further education colleges like National Star have a vital role to play in creating a more inclusive system. 

Calls for clarity on EHCPs

‘We share the same concerns as our fellow members in the Disabled Children’s Partnership about the proposals to restrict access to EHCPs to those with ‘most complex needs’, while not describing which children it considers to have complex needs. Complexity of need can present in many different ways; many complexities can be hidden and without the appropriate support will impact young people’s daily lives, affecting their mental, emotional and physical well-being

‘Parents and young people face months of worry unless the government reassures them that all children whose needs cannot or are not met by individual schools’ plans will be able to get an EHCP. 

‘We want to ensure that young people aged 16 to 25 have access to high quality provision, including specialist placements, to meet their individual needs. It would be detrimental to see a new set of barriers emerging for this age group to access appropriate education, as an unintended consequence of reforms designed to improve the situation for children in schools.’ 

National Star now wants to work with the government, MPs, young people and families to make sure the new system has the teeth to guarantee that every child with SEND gets the support at the earliest opportunity. Without that, the reforms will have no foundation at all.