Parents of children with special educational needs (SEN) are likely to welcome government proposals to overhaul and streamline the current system of support. Getting the right education for their children is a key concern for relocating parents, but for parents of children with SEN navigating the complex and bureaucratic education, health and social care considerations can be particularly challenging.

The Department for Education has launched a new consultation this week proposing the biggest overhaul of SEN support in 30 years. The proposal is to streamline the process by replacing the current statement of SEN with a single assessment process, an ‘Education, Health and Care Plan’ looking holistically at the child’s needs from birth to age 25.

Many parents feel they must “battle for support” under the current system and are required to provide the same information again and again to health, education and social services. The recommendations give hope to families by offering to place the power firmly in their hands.

The idea is to give parents more control over the support their family receives. This would include the option of a personal budget for parents by 2014, giving them control over the funding for their child’s support. Parents will also have the right to express a preference for any state-funded mainstream or special school. Children's Commissioner for England Dr Maggie Atkinson has responded positively:

“We are pleased that the Government recognises that the assessment process should be made simpler and that it will encourage joined-up thinking between local authorities, schools, the voluntary and community sector, and other providers. The inclusion of health and social services support in any new system is incredibly important, as many parents struggle to access the full range of help their child is entitled to.”

Key workers would be trained to advise families and help them with the range of help available offering a co-ordinated package of support – welcome news to those moving into a new area and seeking to do the best for their child.

See our Schools Guides page for the resources available for selecting schools for special needs.

Take part in the Department for Education Online Consultation, which closes on 30 June 2011 - HERE