Understanding the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill and its Impact on SEND
- Rebekah Advocate
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
🏛️ Overview of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, introduced in December 2024, seeks to enhance child welfare and education standards. Key provisions include:
Mandatory Registers for Children Not in School: Local authorities are required to maintain registers of children not enrolled in formal education. This aims to ensure appropriate education and safeguarding.
Enhanced Safeguarding Roles for Schools: Schools will be formally recognized as key safeguarding partners, strengthening their role in child protection.
Reforms in SEND Provision: The bill proposes a recalibration of the SEND system. It focuses on increasing specialist support within mainstream schools and addressing funding deficits faced by local authorities.
For a detailed summary, refer to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: policy summary notes.
⚠️ Potential Concerns for the SEND Community
While the bill aims to improve outcomes, several concerns have been raised:
Shift in Child Protection Responsibilities: Experts warn that transferring safeguarding duties to less-qualified workers, without adequate training and funding, could compromise child safety.
Financial Strain on Local Authorities: Councils face significant SEND-related deficits. This challenge could impact the quality and availability of services.
Legal Challenges and Tribunal Costs: A substantial amount has been spent on legal battles to block SEND support. Councils have lost the majority of these tribunals, highlighting systemic issues.
📘 Understanding the SEND Code of Practice
The SEND Code of Practice provides statutory guidance on duties, policies, and procedures relating to Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014. It outlines the responsibilities of local authorities, health bodies, schools, and colleges in identifying and supporting children and young people with SEND. The most recent version, updated in September 2024, can be accessed here.
🧭 Resources for Parents and Carers
Navigating the SEND system can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are resources available to help:
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA): Offers free legal advice, support, and training to assist families in navigating the SEND system.
Special Needs Jungle: A parent-led organization that provides valuable information, resources, and articles on SEND topics.
Contact: Supports families with disabled children by offering advice and information on various aspects of caring for a child with SEND.
National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF): A network of local forums that gives parents and carers a voice in shaping services.
🤝 How I Can Support You
Navigating these reforms can be daunting. With my extensive experience and training with IPSEA, I offer personalized 1:1 support to help you:
Understand how legislative changes affect your child's education and care.
Prepare for and navigate EHCP assessments and reviews.
Advocate effectively for your child's needs within educational settings.
Access appropriate resources and support networks.
📞 Contact Me
If you require assistance or have concerns about how these reforms may impact your family, please reach out:
Empowering families to navigate the SEND system with confidence and clarity.
Conclusion
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill marks a significant shift in how SEND is handled in England. While it brings potential improvements, parents and carers must be vigilant about the changes and challenges that may arise. With the right resources and support, families can navigate this complex landscape more effectively.
Remember, seeking assistance and staying informed are vital. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for our children and young people with SEND.
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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