Sweeping education reforms aimed at halving the disadvantage gap are to be unveiled by the government, with the plans also expected to include significant changes to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.
Ministers will aim to close the attainment gap between poorer pupils and more affluent peers, with a long-term target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time today’s youngest pupils reach the end of secondary school.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the proposals as a “golden opportunity to cut the link between background and success”.
“Our schools have made great strides in recent decades,” she said.
“Yet for too long, many children in our country have been let down by a one-size-fits-all system, denied opportunity because they’re poor or because they have additional needs.”
The government’s schools white paper – the policy document setting out its plans for future legislation – will also recommend changes to how disadvantage funding is allocated.
Rather than relying primarily on free school meal eligibility, funding could instead consider factors such as household income levels, duration of disadvantage and geographic location.
Ministers say this would reduce administrative burden on schools and ensure support reaches pupils who need it most, including those whose families do not formally claim free school meals.
The government will also set a target to recover 20 million lost school days a year by 2028/29 compared with 2023/24 levels, alongside incentives of up to £15,000 to encourage new headteachers to work in areas facing recruitment challenges.
Concern over SEND
However, much of the public discussion ahead of publication has focused on proposed SEND reforms, which were leaked earlier this week.
It’s provoked anxiety among some families, who fear their access to specialist support could be reduced.
Reports suggest that from 2029, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – which specify the support required for those with additional needs – could be reassessed at the end of primary school.
A new legally recognised framework known as Individual Support Plans (ISPs) would meanwhile be introduced for all children with SEND.
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For some parents, the proposals have triggered deep concern about continuity of support during key transitions, particularly for children with complex needs.
Tiya Currie’s son, Arun, is diagnosed with delayed language disorder (DLD), a lifelong disability that impacts the speaking and understanding of language.
‘I’m extremely scared’
“EHCPs will be removed for my child when he will need it for his secondary school,” Ms Currie told Sky News.
“Just what I was fearing.
“In that time there is no way they will have mainstreams (schools) skilled up to a level to accommodate severe language disorders like DLD. And without EHCP, his access to speech and language therapy will be removed.”
The north London mother claimed the proposed changes left her “extremely scared” for her son’s future.
Parents and campaigners warn any move away from EHCPs risks reducing access to therapies such as speech and language therapy (SLT) and occupational therapy, which are often specified within legally binding plans.
Others argue changing the structure of plans will not address long-standing shortages in specialist provision.
