This document outlines three key priorities to address the current challenges faced by disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs (SEN) and within the education system.
Priority 1: Accountability and Support
- The education system is failing disabled children and young people and those with additional and special education needs by not consistently providing them with the necessary support.
- There is a need for a cultural shift towards an inclusive education system that prioritises the well-being and needs of children and young people.
- Government intervention is required to ensure adequate resourcing, training, sufficient specialist and allied services, and effective accountability measures for schools and local authorities (LAs).
- Measures include robust accountability frameworks, support for families, and strengthening inspection criteria.
Priority 2: Funding and Workforce Support
- Current funding levels are insufficient, resulting in a lack of support and early intervention for disabled children and young people and those with SEN.
- Long-term funding prioritisation and commitment is needed to address deficits and ensure adequate resources for LAs and education institutions of all types and phases.
- Sufficient funding should be available in order to access specialist support where needed, provide early intervention and preventive support for children and young people.
Priority 3: Listening to Children and Young People and their Families
- The voices of disabled children and young people and those SEN and their families are often disregarded in policy-making and provision decisions leading to ineffective inefficient services and inefficient use of resource.
- It is essential to enforce legislation that values the input of children and young people and their families, ensuring co-production of policies and meaningful engagement at all levels.
- LAs, education settings and local partners should establish dynamic relationships with families and include them in decision-making processes regarding special educational needs provision and service development and delivery.
Each priority emphasises the need for systemic changes, adequate funding, and meaningful involvement of children and young people and their families to create an inclusive agile education system that meets the diverse needs of all learners.