Timpson confident new SEN system will start on time

Writing in CYP Now, Timpson said that over recent months he had made it his “personal business” to monitor the progress of those areas struggling to meet the deadline for the introduction of the key reforms.

It follows concerns raised earlier in the year that some councils would not be ready in time after independent analysis found around half of areas that had not been trialling the new systems and had implemented only around a third of the key measures.

But Timpson said councils had been “working hard” to prepare for the reforms. He said: “I’ve been in regular contact with councils. In May, 90 per cent of local authorities told us they’re on track for September and can manage the changes.

“For councils who are further behind the curve, I have made it my business to personally follow up on their progress. These reforms are hugely important and I’m determined to see them improve things on the ground.

“From my own conversations and visits in recent weeks, I’ve been very impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm councils are showing.”

From September, local authorities must introduce a new system for assessing the needs of children and young people with SEN and disabilities and ensuring services are then put in place to meet these. This includes the use of education, health and care (EHC) plans to replace statements of SEN; giving families the choice of organising support through personal budgets; publishing a local offer of the support available to children; and providing independent mediation and advice services.

Timpson’s comments come in an article to be published in Tuesday's issue of CYP Now where he answers questions posed by children’s professionals about the introduction of the reforms. Issues he addresses include whether funding to implement the reforms will be sufficient, how EHC plans will work and how councils can be challenged about their decisions under the new system.

The reforms are a key part of the Children and Families Act 2014, and have been extensively trialled by local authorities over the past two years.