Rachel Reeves has been cautioned that necessary changes to special educational needs and disabilities will require financial investment. Labour MP Helen Hayes, chair of the Education Select Committee, advised against reducing funding for the “deeply flawed system,” emphasizing that essential reforms come with a price tag.

Hayes stressed that the government must allocate “transformation funding” in the upcoming Budget to effectively address the required changes. The release of the Schools white paper outlining the restructuring of the SEND program has been postponed until next year, delaying its initial Autumn schedule.

As the Chancellor prepares to present the Budget on November 26, which is anticipated to include tax hikes and expenditure reductions, Hayes emphasized the importance of not cutting costs in the SEND sector. She highlighted the need for sustainable funding to stabilize the system and improve its functionality.

Hayes also emphasized the significance of enhancing teacher and teaching assistant skills, which may involve salary increases, and enhancing school facilities to accommodate wheelchair users. Investing in speech and language support for early childhood education, though costly initially, is projected to reduce support expenses in the long term.

In a recent report, Hayes’ committee proposed various reforms, including a fundamental “culture shift” in mainstream schools to better integrate SEND students. While acknowledging the government’s focus on inclusivity in mainstream schools, Hayes reiterated that these changes will require financial backing.

Responding to these concerns, a Department for Education spokesperson acknowledged the challenges inherited by the government in the SEND system and committed to implementing lasting reforms. The spokesperson highlighted ongoing investments, including an additional £1 billion in budgets this year and £740 million to create more specialized school placements, to support the development and success of every child.