Labour Send changes at risk as parents rush to secure support, say experts

A thinktank warns that Labour’s planned reforms to special education in England could face delays as parents rush to secure support for their children before new policies take effect. The government’s shift from individual education, health and care plans to broader mainstream school assistance may struggle to meet its 2030 timeline, according to the Institute for Government. Concerns arise over a "use it before you lose it" effect, where families act quickly to access current services before potential changes. The analysis suggests the transition could be more complex than anticipated.

Overhaul of special education in England could unravel, thinktank finds, because of ‘use it before you lose it’ dynamicLabour’s flagship changes to special education in England are at risk of unravelling because parents are rushing to secure support for their children before the system changes, new analysis has found.The Institute for Government (IfG) thinktank says the government’s plans to largely replace education, health and care plans (EHCPs) in England with more widespread support in mainstream schools may be too optimistic and take longer to complete than its 2030 timeline. Continue reading...