The Guardian view on special needs reform: children’s needs must be the priority as the system is redesigned | Editorial

Ministers are right that change is required. But more inclusive mainstream schools can coexist with rights to special provisionChildren with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) must be supported through the education system to fulfil their potential as fully as possible. This is the bottom line for the families of the 1.6 million children with a recognised additional learning need in England, and all those who support them. It needs to be the government’s priority too.There is no question that the rising number of children receiving extra help has placed pressure on schools and councils. There is wide agreement that the current trajectory is not sustainable. But if plans for reform are shaped around the aim of saving money by removing entitlements, rather than meeting the needs of children by improving schools, they should be expected to fail.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...

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The Guardian view on special needs reform: children’s needs must be the priority as the system is redesigned | Editorial

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Opinions

Zohran Mamdani’s ‘radical ingratitude’ to the city and nation that gave him everything

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Zohran Mamdani’s ‘radical ingratitude’ to the city and nation that gave him everything

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Unless we live within our means, Reeves' teardrops will become a torrent - for her and the British people: STEPHEN GLOVER

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Pathetic Democrats are falling over themselves and in line with the dangerous Zohran Mamdani

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CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews last night's TV: Inspirational Live Aid still brings a lump to the throat after 40 years

I've discovered the secrets to banishing those unsightly 'tech neck' lines and wrinkles... and they start from $10: POLISHED with Elise Wilson

ALEX BRUMMER: The folly of Labour wealth taxes

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Why England's bowlers weren't happy with the Edgbaston pitch and there are many better options than Shoaib Bashir: BUMBLE ON THE TEST

NASSER HUSSAIN: Ben Stokes' bowling attack were dead on their feet in the second Test... the Indians got so much more out of the Edgbaston pitch

Unlike Zohran Mamdani, most Dems want prosperity — not class warfare

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