Taskforce launched to improve SEND provision

A new taskforce has been launched to improve how children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported in schools across England.

Chaired by Geoff Barton, former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce will bring together leading experts in education, health and local government to set out a positive new vision with proposals for how the system can be reformed.

A government White Paper is expected in the autumn that will set out reform proposals.

The Taskforce will will examine the current state of SEND provision and set out principles that should guide reform of the system to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Members are due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Currently, one in five children are now identified with special educational needs and support for the most complex types of needs – delivered through Education Health and Care Plans – has doubled since 2014.

Geoff Barton, chair of the IPPR Inclusion Taskforce, said:

“Too many families face a daily struggle to get the right support for their children. This taskforce will bring fresh thinking and a clear focus on delivering the change that’s urgently needed to make our education system work for every child.

“After 15 years leading a state school and then a national education union, I know how complex and challenging the SEND system can be - for families, for schools, and most of all for the children it is supposed to support. Too often, getting the right help takes too long, feels too hard, and leaves young people feeling left out. We must do better on their behalf.  

“I am proud to chair this taskforce to help shape a system that works for every child, and to ensure no one is left behind.”

Ellie Harris, IPPR Inclusion Taskforce lead, said:

“We all know a child in our life who is struggling at school – a friend’s kid, a family member, or a colleague’s child – we cannot allow this to continue. Support should not be slow, patchy, and locked behind bureaucratic hurdles. We need meaningful education reform to make sure that all children are supported at school to belong, achieve and thrive.”