SEND Reforms: Havering Opposition Leader Warns That Promises Must Translate into Better Support for Families
The borough’s newly approved Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan has been welcomed by Havering’s opposition leaders, Councillor Gillian Ford and former Cabinet Member for Children, Councillor Oscar Ford. However, speaking to The Havering Daily, they have warned that the real test will be whether the reforms can be delivered locally, with the right funding, resources and systems in place to make a meaningful difference to children and their families.
“There is nothing within the reforms that anyone could disagree with and we are pleased that the DfE have agreed to the plans. The concern, is the deliverability and ultimately that positive outcomes are achieved. There is also still uncertainty as to what changes the government will make to SEND and how they will be included within the plans.
We made it very clear when we were an administration that Havering had the 4th highest growth in children and young people across the UK which brings with it increased demand and pressures. The Council must align its budgets and finances with the SEND Reform plan, otherwise families will see no change in the services their children receive.
Educational Health and Care Plans are put together by different partners, and we have seen the failing from all sides in getting timely plans into place. All partners need to up their game because without the right measures being put into place, children suffer and their development and futures can be restricted. The right systems must be in place, including with IT which needs to be able to speak to partners systems. In a changing world where AI is becoming the norm, families need reassurance that the information they are given and the confidential information they submit, is safe by the use of robust council protocols and not at risk of being shared with people who have no right to see it.
By addressing the needs in childhood and by putting the right interventions in place early, life opportunities can be improved and prevent higher cost interventions in adulthood.”
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