Labour's Send Reforms: A Transformative Push for Inclusion in Mainstream Schools
Labour's overhaul of the Send system in England marks a significant shift toward inclusion, with reforms designed to ensure all mainstream schools become truly inclusive environments for disabled children. These changes, set to fully roll out by 2030, include multibillion-pound funding for 60,000 additional special-needs places and the establishment of "inclusion bases" in every school. While children with the most complex needs will still have access to specialist schools, the overarching goal is to integrate disabled pupils into mainstream education, fostering a transformative experience for everyone involved.
The Historical Context and Current Challenges
Reflecting on personal experiences, such as being the first wheelchair user at a local girls' grammar school in 1996, highlights the progress made since laws required "reasonable provisions" for disabled pupils. However, the past decade has seen a troubling trend: between 2012 and 2019, the number of children with Send in English mainstream education fell by almost a quarter, while those in specialist schools rose by nearly a third. This decline coincided with cuts to teaching assistants and specialist teachers, exacerbating the isolation of disabled students.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that the reforms aim to provide "enrichment and stretch" for Send children by integrating them with their peers. Yet, it's crucial to recognize that non-disabled children also benefit immensely from this inclusion. Growing up alongside classmates who may communicate, move, or learn differently fosters empathy, understanding, and a richer educational experience that transcends academic metrics.
Financial Debates and Political Narratives
The government insists that these reforms are not about cost-saving, but media coverage often focuses on "spiraling costs" and the rising number of Send plans. Critics point to issues like private schools charging councils £2bn annually for Send education, often at double the state sector's price, without necessarily improving outcomes. Additionally, local authorities are projected to spend £3.4bn by 2030-31 just on transport for children unable to attend local schools.
However, the debate often misses the core issue: the need to ensure public funding effectively supports disabled children rather than lining private sector pockets. Some political voices, like Reform UK's Richard Tice, have downplayed neurodivergence, calling accommodations like ear defenders "insane," which risks stigmatizing disabilities and undermining inclusion efforts. This narrative shifts focus from attainment goals to cost-cutting, threatening to erode hard-won rights.
The Broader Value of Inclusion
Inclusion offers value that can't be quantified on a Treasury spreadsheet. It's about treating disabled people as integral members of society, not as burdens to be managed. As seen in past successes, such as schools installing lifts and hiring assistants, progress depends on robust laws, activist campaigns, and adequate public funding. With a potential Reform government looming, safeguarding these gains is essential to prevent regression.
Ultimately, Labour's Send reforms represent a high-stakes experiment in educational equity. By prioritizing inclusion, they challenge outdated perceptions and advocate for a future where disabled children are valued and included, not sidelined. As we move forward, it's vital to resist any attempts to put a price tag on human dignity and societal cohesion.
