Bridget Phillipson and Special Needs Education
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, has refocused on her official duties, but this shift has unsettled many parents of children with special needs.
Parental Concerns Over Department of Education Announcement
Parents of special needs children are upset by the Department of Education’s recent update. They learned that the publication of the white paper on schools' special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision will be delayed until next year due to Phillipson's other commitments, including her unsuccessful bid for deputy Labour party leader earlier this autumn.
Worries About SEND System Changes
The delay has heightened fears among parents, fueled by rumors of a complete overhaul of the SEND system. These concerns weigh heavily on families already challenged by the complexity of the current arrangements.
Reduction in One-to-One Support
More troubling are reports that children with 'lower level' special needs might lose access to one-to-one teaching assistant support, an issue that has caused significant distress among parents.
"Concern over this delay – sinister murmurings about a total overhaul of the system have also alarmed parents already struggling to navigate this labyrinth."
"Children with ‘lower level’ needs may lose one-to-one teaching assistant support."
Summary: Bridget Phillipson’s delay in the SEND white paper and potential cuts to one-to-one support have sparked strong parental opposition, highlighting urgent concerns about the future of special needs education.