Concerns over how SEND children will be supported during Coronavirus pandemic

The Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, looks to introduce major changes to provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which despite being temporary, will have ‘significant and immediate effects on their care and support’, warn the Disabled Children’s Partnership and the National Deaf Children’s Society.

While schools remain open to children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) as they are considered as ‘vulnerable’, the charities warn that changes within the Bill include removing the obligation on local councils to deliver what is in a child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which outlines and legally guarantees an individual’s care and support.

According to the charities, for the almost 300,000 children who currently have an EHCP who will remain in need of support, there is considerable uncertainty over how they will be supported.

The Disabled Children’s Partnership and the National Deaf Children’s Society have also raised concerns about support for the remaining one million disabled children who don’t currently have an EHCP, asking for guidance on what provisions will be made and whether they will still be protected by the Equality Act.

Comments

Ian Noon, chief policy advisor at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said, ‘These are very difficult times and we know that professionals are working exceptionally hard to make sure disabled children get the support they need. 

‘Disabled children absolutely rely on the support they get. Clarity from the Government on what these changes will mean in practice and how disabled children will still, as much as possible, get what they need will be hugely helpful.

‘With reassurance that the Equality Act remains in place and more detail on how every disabled child will be supported once the Bill is passed, the Government can make sure more than a million families sleep a bit easier tonight as they plan for their child’s future in these challenging times.’

Stephen Kingdom, campaign manager of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, added, ‘We understand that in this unprecedented situation, the Government needs to take emergency action. However, it is vital that all disabled children and their families continue to receive the support they need both in school and in their home.’

A Department for Education spokesperson said, 'We are urging people to do everything they can to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

'We are using the Emergency Bill to provide temporary flexibility over how the Education, Health and Care (EHC) process works, to make sure front-line workers can focus on direct support for those with the most complex needs, including those with disabilities, and on the response to COVID-19.'