Former Children’s Commissioner Calls for Urgent Action to Support Vulnerable Youth
Children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are facing a dire situation as support continues to decline, leading to more families in crisis, according to Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England.
A Call for Change
Longfield, who served as the children’s commissioner from 2015 to 2021, emphasized the urgent need for the government to address the escalating challenges faced by vulnerable youth. She highlighted the detrimental impact of the decreasing support for children with SEND over the past decade, stressing the need for a more inclusive system that can effectively respond to children’s needs.
The Impact of Declining Support
Longfield expressed concern over the rising rate of tribunals initiated by parents in disputes with local authorities regarding support for their children. The financial burden on local authorities, already on the verge of bankruptcy, has increased significantly due to the high costs associated with crisis intervention for a small number of children.
Recommendations for Change
To address these issues, Longfield proposed investing more in universal support for early years, including the expansion of Sure Start centres. She emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent complex needs from escalating and more children falling into crisis, which has both social and economic costs.
Additionally, Longfield called for a shift towards inclusivity in mainstream schools to reduce the need for parents to navigate a complex planning process to secure support for their children. She highlighted the detrimental impact of delays in assessments and plans, leading to children spending months or even years in limbo without access to education.
Looking Ahead
While the government announced £1 billion in funding to improve SEND outcomes for young people, Longfield cautioned that this investment must drive systemic reform towards early intervention to be effective. Urgent action is needed to prevent children with SEND from falling into crime due to lack of supportive education.
As MPs launch an inquiry into SEND provision, Longfield’s call for practical solutions that prioritize the needs of vulnerable youth remains crucial. The time to address the challenges faced by children with SEND is now, and concerted efforts are required to ensure a brighter future for these individuals.