So it was with keen interest that I read Sarah Teather's long-awaited green paper, which promises "to fundamentally reform the SEN system". The minister and her officials have been listening to parents, professionals, voluntary groups and local authorities, and the Support and Aspiration paper has much to commend it. Simplified SEN assessments, integrated health, care and education plans, and the greater involvement of parents are all welcome.
Since there is a timetable for legislation, the reforms probably will see the light of day. I do worry, though, about the emphasis on "parental choice". Bluntly, parents do not always know what is best for their children. However, professionals have not always helped parents understand their point of view. Improved dialogue will help, with a shift in the balance towards parents. I recall a case where a home-to-school taxi was asked for by parents, while the special school wanted to provide support through independence training and using a bus. When the school explained what it was trying to achieve for the young person, the outcome was agreed by all.
Some of the most sensitive decisions are about independent residential specialist providers, where placements can typically cost £60,000 a year.
Of course, parents must be involved, but there needs to be a process for ensuring that a placement is value for money. The best independent providers, such as Ruskin Mill Education Trust, are very good, and assess young people thoroughly before accepting them. The public purse has to foot the bill, so it is imperative that parents, children, funders and providers all have a voice and listen to each other.
John Freeman CBE is a former director of children's services and is now a freelance consultant. Read his blog at cypnow.co.uk/freemansthinking
