The government’s efforts to revamp the special education needs and disabilities system have faced criticism from the education minister for alleged parent-blaming by Reform UK. Schools standards minister Georgia Gould rebuked comments from party members suggesting children were “naughty” due to bad parenting and an excessive diagnosis of SEND issues, emphasizing that such claims can harm children’s self-perception and school community integration.
Rejecting the notion of parental fault, Gould stressed the importance of working collaboratively with parents to address system shortcomings rather than laying blame on them. Reform UK figures, including deputy leader Richard Tice, have been vocal about what they perceive as an overdiagnosis of SEND cases and questioned certain parents’ intentions in exploiting the system for personal gain.
Nigel Farage and Dr. David Bull from Reform were also criticized for their remarks on SEND issues, with Gould acknowledging the challenges faced by the system under Labour’s administration. Despite the difficulties, Gould expressed optimism after engaging with stakeholders nationwide and highlighted the eagerness of individuals to contribute to solutions for children with special educational needs.
The government has earmarked over £3 billion for expanding specialist facilities and enhancing teacher training, with a focus on addressing the increasing demand for EHCPs. Responding to the criticism, a Reform UK spokesperson cited concerns about the financial strain caused by an alleged overdiagnosis of SEND and the incentives driving families to seek diagnoses for additional support.
The Health Secretary previously acknowledged the issue of overdiagnosis in mental health conditions, but later admitted the inadequacies of the system and pledged to rectify the situation. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding the SEND system, with efforts to balance support for children with special needs while addressing concerns about diagnosis accuracy and financial sustainability.