Solving SEND? My Take on the Education Committee’s 48-Point Plan This week, Schools Week reported on the Education Committee’s new 48-point plan to fix the SEND system. On paper, it sounds ambitious.

Solving SEND? My Take on the Education Committee’s 48-Point Plan

This week, Schools Week reported on the Education Committee’s new 48-point plan to fix the SEND system. On paper, it sounds ambitious. In reality, it’s another reminder of just how broken things already are for families, schools, and local authorities.

I’ve gone through the article and the committee’s recommendations — here’s my straight-talking review.

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The Good: What Could Make a Difference

1. Defining inclusion (finally!)

For years, “inclusive education” has been a buzzword without meaning. The committee now wants the Department for Education (DfE) to set a national definition within six months, with a framework that shows what inclusion actually looks like in practice. That’s a good move — if they deliver.

2. Protecting EHCPs

There’s been a lot of fear around the SEND Review diluting statutory rights. The committee is clear: EHCPs must stay. Parents fought hard for these legal protections, and they’re non-negotiable.

3. Teacher training and early identification

Every teacher should have mandatory SEND training. That’s common sense, and it’s encouraging to see it in the plan. They also push for better early identification so children don’t miss years of support.

4. Tackling the postcode lottery

The committee admits that families get completely different experiences depending on where they live. That “SEND postcode lottery” has to go. Consistency is essential.

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The Worrying: Where It Feels Weak

1. Funding gap

The committee calls for costed plans — but admits the government doesn’t yet know what true inclusion costs. Without funding for staff, therapies, and smaller classes, the rest is just wishful thinking.

2. Accountability is fuzzy

It’s one thing to write down standards. It’s another to enforce them. The plan doesn’t say how schools or local authorities will be held accountable if they fail children. Parents already know too well what happens when provision is ignored: nothing.

3. Mainstream bias

There’s a big push to make mainstream schools more inclusive. That’s great in theory. But inclusion shouldn’t mean “everyone in mainstream, no matter what.” Some children need specialist settings — and the system must respect that.

4. Delays, delays, delays

The 20-week EHCP deadline is already broken in most cases. The plan recognises this, but solutions feel vague. Families can’t wait another five years for reforms to kick in.

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What Families Should Watch

Clear definitions: Will “inclusive education” be properly defined with staff ratios, therapies, and training spelled out?

Money: Will the government actually fund what it promises?

Rights: EHCPs must not be watered down.

Quick wins: Early assessments and support must improve now, not in a distant future.

Accountability: Who will check that schools and LAs deliver?

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My Bottom Line

This 48-point plan shows MPs are listening — but families don’t need another glossy report. We need action. Less jargon, more delivery.

If the government funds these proposals, enforces accountability, and protects EHCP rights, then maybe we’ll see change. If not, this risks being yet another SEND review that gathers dust while children continue to lose years of education and opportunities.

Until then, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: calling it as it is, supporting families through the system, and demanding more than just promises.

✍️ Rebekah Herbert, Advocate