04-07-2022 Changes to the law on SEND - Consultation (green paper)
The Government is currently consulting on changes to the legislation which supports children and young people (0-25) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
The proposals are set out in the SEND Review Green Paper* and parents and carers now have an opportunity to give their views on the proposals through a consultation running until 22nd July, and through the NNPCF survey running until 30th June.
This is the first review of the legislation introduced in the Children and Families Act 2014, and is very significant. Much of what is in the 'Green paper' is positive but there are also some concerning aspects, and it is important for parents and carers to give their views to shape the final legislation.
You can see the presentation from our discussion event on 27th June here.
All the resources are available on Gov.uk
The full green paper is here.
This is 104 pages long so you may find it helpful to use this summary and this presentation from the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (of which Our Voice is a member) which sets out the proposals and some of the possible implications. You can also see a recording of the presentation.
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) has set out its initial response to the proposals here.
You can respond to the consultation using the online survey here - the deadline is 22nd July.
You can also reply to the NNPCF survey here - the deadline has just been extended to 7th July. This will enable your views to be included in the response put forward by the organisation that represents all parent carer forums across the UK.
You may also want to have a look at the Schools' White Paper* which will work alongside the Green Paper and which sets out plans which will impact all children and young people in schools (including, but not specific to, children with SEND). See the paper here and the NNPCF initial response here.
Accessible versions of the information are available:
- A full British Sign Language (BSL) version to support those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment
- An easy read version to support those with learning disabilities
- A guide to help children and young people with SEND, or those in alternative provision, to understand the green paper and respond to the consultation.
- If you would like a Braille or audio version of the Green paper or a different accessible format, please email SENDreview.consultation@education.gov.uk
* What is a Green Paper and what is a White Paper?
The term 'White Paper' refers to a published statement of government policy or strategy. THey often include the reasons for, and some details of, planned legislative change.
The term 'Green Paper' refers to a government consultation on policy. Green Papers usually outline proposals and alternative options and seek views from interested parties before proceeding. A 'Green Paper is often (but not always) followed by a White Paper on the same topic, which sets out proposals as the ideas are firmed up. White papers may also invite further comments. The NNPCF will be commenting on the Schools' White Paper.
