Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK, has raised alarming concerns regarding the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) system in England, declaring it “out of control” and “hijacked by far too many parents who are abusing the system.” His remarks come as the federal government is finalizing plans to introduce a white paper. This White Paper will spell out the reforms needed to the SEND system, which he describes as in a “severe crisis.”
Tice argues that too many children are getting SEND provisions that they don’t need. He claims that this misappropriation places an undue burden on our resources. He argues that as a consequence, some children must have their SEND provisions removed. The leader’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions between families seeking support for children with additional needs and the government’s responsibility to manage resources effectively.
The current situation is untenable, Tice stated. I’m seeing it all over the country. That’s got to stop.
The government previously acknowledged that it inherited a SEND system “left on its knees,” and councils across South East England have consistently reported rising costs associated with supporting children with additional needs. Escalating costs are skyrocketing even as the need for SEND support is increasing exponentially. This perfect storm is making it an incredibly hostile climate for local leaders.
Danielle, a parent from Ashford in Kent, was one of many who were extremely unhappy with Tice’s comments. Her son, Tommy is under SEND support and she described Tice’s remarks as “absolutely horrendous.” She highlighted the burdens that millions of families must endure to get access to the resources they need.
“I don’t know anyone who would go through what we and our children have to go through just for the fun of it, or to hijack the system.” – Danielle
Lisa Lloyd, another Kentish jGrove, chimed in to support Danielle. She drew attention to the difficulties in getting an EHCP, describing it as a long and challenging process. “It’s extremely hard to get an EHCP. And it’s really, really difficult to procure any help whatsoever. And very, very difficult to gain entry into a SEND school,” she recalled.
Brighton resident Kirsti Hadley contested Tice’s assertions, maintaining that his claims do not stand up to scrutiny. She pointed out that 98.3% of tribunals rule in favor of children when families appeal decisions made by local authorities. The heartbreaking weight of this statistic speaks to the systemic prejudice that exists within the SEND framework.
“What Reform are saying isn’t factually correct. Statistics tell us that the opposite is true – 98.3% of tribunals where the families are taking local authorities to court are found in favour of children.” – Kirsti Hadley
Councils were already feeling the fiscal squeeze as rising social care costs weigh heavily on local authorities. Despite Telford and Wrekin council member for highways, Peter Osbourne, saying that spending on social care is “going through the roof.” Most recently, he responded to demands for better road markings funded by Reform-controlled Kent County Council. He reaffirmed that safety is a core value but warned against rushing to judgment on how to maintain roadways.
As the SEND reform debate continues, Richard Tice has a novel fix to asphalt accoutrement conundrums. Instead of just repainting them he suggests a competition for unique artist designs.
“There’s all sorts of creativity that you can use. If you’re going to paint it, paint it well.” – Richard Tice
