"Special needs reforms for children in England could turn into welfare reforms mark 2 unless the government can convince parents that it is not aiming to save money, according to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The thinktank said any changes to the current system of education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which mandate tailored support for children with special needs, will be highly controversial among parents, but said reform was long overdue as the number of EHCPs issued has ballooned by 80% since 2018."
"Any reforms are likely to generate controversy. If the focus is on reducing legal rights to cut short-term costs, this could easily turn into welfare reforms mark 2. To avoid this, the government needs to be candid: the current system is failing many of the children it is meant to support, despite billions in additional spending and a complex framework of legal entitlements. A successful reform should articulate a clear vision for a system that supports all children while delivering better value for money."
The number of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) issued has risen by 80% since 2018, covering about one in 20 school-age children in England. Any changes to EHCPs will be highly controversial among parents, particularly if perceived as reducing legal rights or cutting costs. Earlier attempts to change disability and health-related benefits provoked strong political resistance. The current system involves billions in additional spending and a complex legal framework yet still fails many children. Successful reform requires a clear vision that supports all children, improves service quality, provides earlier and easier access, and delivers better value for money.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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