A mile off the mark or a clear statement of intent and lack of care

I want to address all the noise about the SEND white paper as I feel like I've been leaving pretty much the same comment on posts and writing might cover how some of us are feeling.

I’m so angry -

I’m angry that parent/carers, SEND leads were seemingly (if leaks are to be believed) sold a dream with the national voice tour on this reform.

I’m angry that I can’t imagine how much money that tour cost - for what to blow smoke up people, maybe I’m naïve as the principle seemed to sound like good wholesome intent

I’m angry that the very first leading premise on SEND reform was financially led not person focussed

I’m angry that every 'leak' so far has suggested the principles were a load of empty words (wanted to use a different word here)

I’m angry that policy forums took place and people spoke so passionately about the learners and parent/carers feeling the impact of a lack of accountability and this is the response

I’m angry that the premise is for all settings to be part of a group? the same type of groups where MAT leads are getting paid a qtr. of a mil, that’s a money-making machine first and an education setting second.

I’m angry that clearly not one person making the decisions cares or listened on that national tour or in the policy conferences when people like Georgina, Annamarie, Gary, Dr Anita, Frances, Dale, SNJ, IPSEA, Twinkl, AOC Send conference, TES send conference, SAA show and all the myriad of others (and to an infinitely less important and far reaching scale - myself) were sharing the realities for families and their kids. (**I hasten to add these are my views and may not reflect those of the above)

I’m angry that at the national tour I was at, I sat next to such an articulate parent who sought out time with the attending key parties, and this is the response she and people in her position get.

Mostly, I’m angry that not one leak so far has implied a person-centred thought process and narrative

Mostly, I’m angry that it seems parent/carers are going to face even more uncertainty at important stages of their child’s education journey

Mostly, I’m angry that OUR young people are going to feel the impact of this

So, the "principles" were

• Local

• Early

• Effective

• Shared

• Fair

I’m struggling to see how taking plans away at key phase transfer stages is fair and effective to a learner’s education - this will then impact early for a re-application

I’m struggling to see how working through tiers will provide early, fair and effective support for those with real deep need.

I’m struggling to see how bunging a student local to home, despite there being a setting perfectly set up for a very specific need in another county be that a neighbouring LA or not.

I’m struggling to see how fair and effective the setting attendance standards helps the students and families of those with EBSA/EBSNA

I’m struggling to see how the amount invested in making sure staff are equipped to meet the changing needs of students in education now is enough - now I’m no Carol Voderman but 200m to CPD skill up all education staff amounts to about £100 per person, a drop in the ocean.

I’m struggling to see the value placed, the care and the inclusion being delivered to those within this system if these are the actions of those 'representing' each and every one of us

If we are to believe the 'leaks' - big up SNJ for suggesting the government need a plumber for the amount of leaks they have!! - now, tomorrow and during the consultation phase of this white paper our learners and their parent/carers need to be informed and empowered to advocate and respond.

Now, tomorrow and during the consultation phase of this white paper, we as SEND leads and voices need to advocate for those living and feeling this, wait, enduring this.

Make it make sense to me!