THE government has been accused of shutting out disabled people and their parents from its review into services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

The delayed review was launched in 2019 in order “to boost outcomes and improve value for money” and end the “postcode lottery” of Send provision.

But in an open letter to PM Boris Johnson today, families will claim that those most directly affected have been largely excluded and even misrepresented during the process.  

“Disabled children and young people have been disproportionately disadvantaged by the impact of Covid and school/college closures,” the letter says.

“The current cross-government Send review was initiated, and its scope subsequently widened, to address these issues. However, we have serious concerns about the way it is being conducted.

“The Send review has taken almost two years so far and has been delayed three times.”

The parent-led campaign group Let Us Learn Too has also raised concerns that the government is seeking to water down legal duties toward children with Send.

Labour’s shadow minister for children Tulip Siddiq said: “Instead of being an opportunity to transform outcomes for children, ministers’ delayed Send review has failed to engage with families and risks undermining vital legal protections” and urged the Tories to put children at the heart of the pandemic recovery.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said claims of protections being watered down were misleading.

“This government is committed to supporting and protecting children with Send — ahead of our public consultation and publication of our proposals, we are working closely with children and young people with Send, their parents and carers to ensure their views remain at the heart of this work.”