This month should see the publication of the Government’s green paper on Special Educational Needs (SEN). The development of the long awaited paper has been anything but straightforward. Announced by the Government as far back as last July, it has subsequently been frequently delayed. Yesterday’s publication of the Wolf Report, and Michael Gove’s subsequent glowing praise for its findings, suggests this is a Government keen to exercise greater control over the educational and career paths of lower achieving students. But how does this apply to those with SEN, given the Report only mentions these people in passing. More specifically, what are the Government’s plans for the education and employment of SEN students with complex disabilities?
The green paper will need to cover these questions and others, but the concern for Government is that whatever is proposed, significant communications challenges will present themselves. Special educational needs is an emotive topic. This is amplified when narrowed down to discussions on those with multiple and complex disabilities. For a Government struggling to address criticism over its programme of spending cuts, SEN is a real minefield. Cuts to the Education Maintenance Allowance and the possible reform of the Disability Living Allowance, have led to accusations that the Government is unwilling to protect society’s most vulnerable while belts are being tightened. Another delay to the green paper may be seen as a snub too far and risks sending a message to parents that their children are an afterthought on the political agenda. Given Cameron’s very public statements of commitment on SEN, including pledging to remove the perceived ‘inclusion bias’ within the system, this could be especially damaging. Equally, if proposals are perceived as too hard on those with the most complex learning difficulties, there is a danger the Government will be portrayed as callous. Given the lengths the Conservatives in particular have gone to ‘detoxify’ their image, the green paper therefore presents a substantial challenge.
This is clearly a Government with a number of pressing issues, but there are increasing murmurs that it has bitten off more than it can chew with its legislative programme. Last week’s announcement that the Higher Education White Paper would be delayed demonstrates the difficulty the Government is having juggling a collection of contentious issues. Time isn’t the only factor here of course. Delays also point to the inherent difficulties associated with developing legislation as part of a Coalition, even when all parties appear to be singing from the same sheet.
For those working within the realm of SEN, the green paper cannot come soon enough. Department for Education statistics show last year nearly 1.5 million students with SEN were yet to receive statements outlining the support they would receive. This of course doesn’t include the numerous tribunal cases involving parents unhappy with their child’s statement. The system, if not at breaking point, is being severely bent. Details of exactly what will be in the green paper remain, unhelpfully, shady. Proposals such as the introduction of personal budgets have proved hard to reach a consensus on, not least among parent representative groups. Whether or not the green paper includes more ambitious arrangements regarding SEN employability remains unclear. What is certain is that SEN services need clarity of purpose and direction. The Government will need to ensure its messaging offers similar clarity when the paper is finally revealed.
John Hood, Linstock Consultant (john@linstockcommunications.com)
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