Former Education Secretaries Call for Backing of SEND Overhaul
Five former education secretaries have jointly appealed to MPs to support the reform of special education provision in English schools, describing it as a “once in a generation chance” to address a failing system.
The open letter is signed by David Blunkett, Estelle Morris, Charles Clarke, Ruth Kelly, and Alan Johnson, who collectively held the education secretary role for a decade starting in 1997.
The letter precedes the publication of the schools white paper, scheduled for Monday, which will outline proposals to transform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. This initiative is expected to be a defining policy challenge for Keir Starmer’s administration.
Downing Street is keen to avoid any rebellion, aware that repeating past attempts to change benefits for disabled people could seriously undermine the prime minister’s authority.
Labour MPs’ Reception and Concerns
The proposed SEND changes have been generally well received by Labour MPs, largely due to widespread agreement that the current system is ineffective. However, some MPs remain cautious, particularly regarding aspects such as the criteria for children to qualify for an education, health and care plan (EHCP), which legally entitles them to support.
Political Stakes Highlighted in Open Letter
The letter by the former education secretaries emphasizes the political importance of the reforms.
“As former Labour education ministers, we know that this really is a once in a generation chance to change a broken system for good, a unique opportunity to deliver better life chances for millions of children across our country,”
Jim Knight, an education expert and former schools minister, also signed the letter.
The reforms to be announced by Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, are intended to “enshrine the importance of children being confident to attend their local mainstream school and develop friendships in their local community for life,” the letter states.
Reform Process and Urgency
The letter acknowledges the challenges of implementing such reforms, noting that the plan was “painstakingly put together after more than 18 months of consultation.”
It further states:
“We must not betray the millions of children across our country who deserve the best from their government, and their politicians. These reforms will give those children more support, not less, after years of having the help they need supplied too little, too late, and too often not at all.
“We urge all our colleagues and every Labour member to back those changes as ministers embark on the greatest reform this government has yet laid out.”
Focus of the White Paper
While significant political attention will focus on changes to EHCPs, including reviews when children transition to secondary school, the broader aim of the white paper is to better include children with all but the most severe needs in mainstream schools. The schools system is expected to provide direct support for this inclusion.
Government Perspective and Labour MPs’ Views
A government source commented:
“There are MPs who are understandably nervous about all this, not least because of all the letters they get, but for the most part they like the direction of travel.
“And when they see the final proposals, they will understand and welcome where we’re going on this. This is a good Labour package, underpinned by good Labour values. We want parents to get the help they need without being forced into a legal fight with their council.
“The school system has not kept up with the pace of change that children are experiencing in their lives. We utterly reject ableism. That needs to be banished from the debate.”
Despite this, some Labour MPs have ongoing concerns, particularly about whether parents will retain the right to make legal appeals if they believe their child is not receiving adequate support.
One MP stated:
“There is understandable anxiety amongst parents, but if the reforms as a whole look to promise a better system with enough time for a smooth transition, then I think MPs will recognise that.
“Where I think the challenges may come is on the legal redress issue – if parents have enough confidence that they can hold schools and local authorities to account on the support they are supposed to be giving.”
