9 March 2011
A Green Paper launched for consultation today proposes major change in the English education of children who are disabled or have special educational needs (SEN).
The Department for Education says that Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability proposes:
a new approach to identifying SEN through a single Early Years setting-based category and school-based category of SEN;
a new single assessment process and Education, Health and Care Plan by 2014;
local authorities and other services will set out a local offer of all services available;
the option of a personal budget by 2014 for all families with children with a statement of SEN or a new Education, Health and Care Plan;
give parents a real choice of school, either a mainstream or special school; and
introduce greater independence to the assessment of children’s needs.
Consultation deadline: 30 June.
