Government 'fails to improve education of young disabled people'

The Association of National Specialist Colleges (Natspec) said that despite the passing of the Children and Families Act 2014, which promised to give young people with learning difficulties and disabilities greater choice in accessing a college that meets their needs, many young people and their families are still facing a battle to access the college of their choice.

The organisation said there is "excessive red tape" with young people having to endure “endless assessments and delays, often resulting in being offered inappropriate placements.

It said a lack of impartial, readily available information acts as a further barrier.

The alleged issues also come despite government guidance, in the form of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice, stating that councils need to ensure "the aspirations for children and young people will be raised through an increased focus on life outcomes, including employment and greater independence".


Natspec is calling on the government to ensure that Children and Families Act commitments are met and last week staged a demonstration at Westminster through its A Right, Not a Fight campaign.


Natspec chief executive Alison Boulton said: “Young people and their families really hoped this act would make all the difference – its themes of aspiration, choice and putting young people at the centre were widely welcomed.

"The reality has been aspirations thwarted, lack of choice and little personalisation.