Under the "simpler and more joined-up" system introduced last September, statements of SEN have been replaced with education, health and care (EHC) plans, which co-ordinate support for all children and young people aged up to 25.
But a study by the National Autistic Society (NAS) found that just 23 per cent of those who’ve been through the new system are satisfied, with almost half (48 per cent) saying they are dissatisfied.
“Parents have told us about long waits for assessment and plans, extending beyond statutory time limits and local authority staff who do not understand either the new system or their child," the NAS's School Report 2015 stated.
“Local authorities are struggling to process reviews of young people on statements (initially those leaving school) and new applications in a timely way, which may continue as statements are reviewed until 2018.”
“The new system does not appear to have solved some of the longstanding problems parents face. They continue to report feelings of not being listened to and support being withheld due to local authorities’ budgetary constraints.”
The survey did find, however that once parents got an EHC plan, they were generally satisfied with it.
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