Government policies on autonomy, results and free schools contributing to “failing” special needs system, enquiry hears

An illustration of a talk I gave to the organisation Whole School Send in September 2017, as mentioned below.

A major inquiry into provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has reported seemingly damning evidence of the effect of key government policies on this group.

Last week’s House of Commons Select Committee report on SEND featured a host of references to concerns raised about the impact of results pressures on schools, and of the government’s policy of promoting school-by-school autonomy - as epitomised by the academies scheme - on vulnerable pupils.

The evidence adds to concerns that some schools may be engaging in “illegal exclusions” of young people, under the pressure leadership teams feel to boost results and balance budgets.

The report itself also criticised the government’s refusal to allow local authorities to set up new schools with such pupils in mind, other than via the free schools route. It recommended that this policy be changed.