The discussions about special educational needs (SEN) reforms and the article concerning pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (“SEN shake-up will be bad for behaviour, heads warn”, 18 May) present more questions and few answers.
The destruction of the SEN statement of need along with its legal foundation only to be replaced by a single education, health and care plan is only that - a plan that offers the illusion of coherence and cooperation when frontline staff from all services are being systematically reduced.
Personalised budgets are another “smoke and mirrors” exercise and a method by which control and direction are deflected from central agencies. Local councils can publish details of support available for children and their families or carers, but I suspect it will be woefully thin in detail and application.
Dr Len Parkyn, Special needs teacher with 33 years’ experience.