The critical role of independent schools in SEND reform

As the consultation on the Government’s white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, has now closed, I would like to re-emphasise the critical role that independent schools play in educating and caring for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the country.

The lives, prospects and well-being of thousands of children and their families depend on our schools. Their needs are many, varied and often complex, and our schools help to meet them.

Whether the children and young people with SEND are in an independent or state school, the most important aspect of any reform is that they are in a setting that is entirely appropriate to their needs. We are all part of the same education system, and it is our desire that every child and young person with SEND is supported to achieve their full potential.

The role independent schools play in delivering caring and quality special needs education is a vital part of the whole. Our schools have the capacity and expertise to complement what the state can offer, and working collaboratively, we can all help achieve the best for all children. Anything less would be failure and a missed opportunity.

Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, CEO, Independent Schools Association