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SEN framework failing children?

SEN framework failing children?

5 March 2014

The LGO has published a report which is critical of the current SEN system. The report highlights cases where failures to properly assess the needs of children or provide appropriate support has resulted in a loss of education to those children who need it the most. These failures have also been said to result in an increased likelihood of exclusions due to a lack of support for their special needs. The government’s response is to highlight the proposed changes to the SEN framework which will place children and families at the centre of decision making and give more flexibility for parents to choose appropriate support.

The report strikes at the centre of the government’s aim to close the gap between the have and have-nots when considering educational attainment and opportunity. The new SEN framework will have a role to play in delivering better outcomes but it will require more than a change in the law to ensure the reforms succeed. A change in culture by local authorities, schools and other agencies is required to ensure there is cohesive multi-agency support for those vulnerable children who required it.

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Richard Freeth

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