MAJOR restructures to the way in which children with special education needs are treated in schools have been promised – which a Barnsley MP says will be music to the ears for dozens of impacted families in the town.
The Department for Education (DfE) vowed to improve outcomes for SEND children following years of complaints about how youngsters – and their parents – are dealt with.
Figures show 400 children and young people received an education, health and care plan (EHCP) from Barnsley Council in 2023,, which is effectively a tailored document to suit an individual’s specific needs.
Children with EHCPs are those with the most complex needs, who have undergone a statutory assessment by their local authority.
Additional support and funding is subsequently provided to meet the needs outlined on the EHCP.
However, a previous Ofsted probe stated an additional 1.1 million children across the country have been identified with special needs but do not have an EHCP.
An announcement, which was issued by Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson last week, acknowledges that the education and care systems do not currently meet the needs of all children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.
It also says that earlier interventions in mainstream schools will be key for those with less complex needs.
Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock said: “I am pleased to welcome the announcement from the Education Secretary that confirms Labour will prioritise improving opportunity for children with SEND.
“Having raised the issue of SEND in Parliament a number of times, and having held a public meeting with parents, my office has worked with a number of families to advocate for them and offer support, working with both schools and the local authority.
“I know this will be important news for many families in Barnsley.”
