Staffordshire Parent Carer Forum

From the questionnaire, 89 responses were gathered and analysed. Of those respondents, 74% were aware of the Government White Paper “Every Child Achieving and Thriving”, 47% had read the White Paper and 71% were aware of the consultation document “SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First”.

 

Overall Sentiment

Feedback across both datasets is overwhelmingly cautious to negative as outlined below.

 

Some respondents recognise positive intentions, mainly around the proposals of early intervention, inclusion within the local community and improved support, but also recognise the current quality of teaching that would support the proposals.

“I fully support the notion that children should be educated within their community” – Parent/Carer

 

However, there is widespread concern about feasibility, delivery, and potential unintended consequences coupled with a reduction in parental rights to hold services to account.

 

·        Loss of Parental Rights and Legal Safeguards

One of the strongest concerns relates to potential weakening of EHCP protections and tribunal rights. Participants highlighted risks that local authorities may gain greater decision-making power, with reduced avenues for challenge. This aligns with wider sector concerns that reforms could dilute enforceable legal rights. In addition, parents expressed concerns relating to transparency of and motivations behind decision making, specifically financial considerations being ranked above needs.

 

“…concerned that the support plan (due to replace the EHCP for some levels of need) will not be adhered to by schools” – Parent/Carer

“It[‘s] all about protecting the public purse” – Parent/Carer

 

·        Individual Needs vs Standardised Packages 

Strong resistance exists to proposed ‘provision packages’. Feedback emphasises that children’s needs are highly individual and cannot be met through standardised or ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions.

 

“Policies need to be made bespoke rather than one size fits all” – Parent/Carer 

 

·        Lack of Clarity and Deliverability

Both questionnaire and discussion participants repeatedly describe the White Paper as ‘woolly’, high-level, and lacking detail. A key concern is the absence of clear implementation plans (‘the how factor’), timelines, and operational guidance. 

 

“I think one of the main issues with the 2026 schools white paper is that it sounds ambitious, but it’s not very clear on how the changes will actually be carried out in practice” – Parent/Carer

 

·        Concerns About Mainstream Inclusion Model

While inclusion is supported in principle, respondents overwhelmingly believe mainstream schools are not currently equipped to meet SEND needs. Concerns include insufficient training, staffing shortages, and unsuitable environments for some children.

 

“I feel it is putting too much additional pressure on already stretched mainstream teachers and education” – Parent/Carer

 

·        Workforce Capacity and Skills Crisis

There is significant scepticism about workforce assumptions, including availability of teachers, educational psychologists, therapists, and mental health practitioners. Participants questioned where these professionals will come from and warned of teacher burnout and attrition.

 

“…sceptical as to where the additional speech therapists and educational psychologists which have been deployed to schools are going to be sourced from.” – Parent/Carer

 

·        Funding and Resource Constraints

Respondents consistently express doubt that funding will be sufficient. There is concern that reforms will redistribute existing resources rather than provide meaningful new investment, exacerbating inequalities.

 

“Schools also need support, training and resources to provide fully inclusive education” – Parent/Carer

 

·        Early Years and Early Intervention Gaps

Participants highlight insufficient focus on early years provision, early identification, and early language development, particularly oracy, despite these being critical to long-term independence and success in the workforce.

 

“…there wasn’t a lot about the quality and the funding to go into the Early Years providers before children get to school” – Parent/Carer

 

·        System Complexity and Risk of Confusion

Concerns were raised that new systems (ISPs, universal offer, graduated approach) may add complexity and confusion for parents and professionals, rather than simplifying the system.

 

“I am really concerned as to what SEN support there will truly be for those not determined to fit in the ‘complex’ criteria” – Parent/Carer

·        Local Authority Accountability 

There is a strong perception that local authorities are not currently meeting statutory duties. Respondents fear reforms may reduce accountability while increasing LA control without improving statutory compliance.

 

“Putting more control on schools rather than the Local authorities and reducing children’s and parent’s rights to appeal will only exacerbate existing issues” – Parent/Carer

·        Emotional and Human Impact 

Feedback highlights the emotional strain on families navigating SEND systems, particularly delays, tribunal processes, and lack of support. Concerns focus on potential harm to children’s mental health and wellbeing, especially during a transition period to the new systems and particularly considering the long timescales.

 

“It will be harder for children like my son (failed by the NHS) to access help and will likely increase detrimental outcomes like suicide” –  Parent/Carer

 

·        Repetition of Past Reforms 

Stakeholders noted similarities to previous initiatives (e.g. IEPs, Sure Start), expressing concern that reforms repeat earlier approaches that did not resolve system issues.

 

“We’ve been here before… we were promised all these Ed Psychs, we were promised all the SEND Key Workers were starting immediately… and I feel that didn’t quite happen” – Parent/Carer

 

Parents and Carers in Staffordshire have made the following recommendation with regards to the proposed SEND reforms:

·        Provide detailed implementation plans with clear timelines and accountability

·        Protect legal rights, including tribunal access and enforceable provision, for parents – the experts in their children’s needs

·        Maintain personalised, needs-led support rather than standardised packages

·        Invest significantly in workforce and specialist services

·        Ensure mainstream inclusion is properly resourced before expansion

·        Strengthen oversight and accountability of Local Authorities

·        Improve early years provision and intervention

·        Simplify system language and processes for families

·        Ensure genuine co-production with parents and carers

 

We ask that you take these comments and recommendations as representative of parents and carers across Staffordshire and consider them while reviewing the proposed reforms.

 

Yours faithfully,

On behalf of the Staffordshire Parent Carer Forum Steering Group