In a concerning trend, more than half of Bolton’s children experienced extended waiting times for special educational needs (SEN) support plans last year. These Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans are crucial for children and young people who require additional assistance beyond conventional SEN support. Let’s delve into the details:
The Challenge of EHC Plans
An EHC plan identifies a child’s specific needs and outlines the necessary support to address them. In 2023, Bolton Council issued 557 EHC plans, a significant increase from the previous year’s 324 plans. However, only 46% of these plans were provided within the statutory time limit.
Growing Demand and Systemic Issues
Across the country, 138,242 initial assessment requests were made, a 21% surge compared to the previous year. Bolton alone accounted for 716 requests, with 55 of them denied by the council. The rise in EHC plans reflects a growing need, but the delays underscore systemic challenges caused by underfunding and understaffing in our education system. Over a decade of Tory austerity has taken its toll, resulting in a loss of over £10 million in education funding for Bolton since 2010.
A Call for Investment and Change
Rob Poole, Assistant District Secretary of the Bolton National Education Union, emphasizes the urgency of substantial investment in SEN provision. Our children deserve timely support to thrive. To address these delays, we need at least an extra £4.6 billion in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities funding. Only one candidate in the upcoming election, Kev Alsop, has pledged to stop school cuts. It’s time for the government and local authorities to allocate sufficient resources and empower our educators and support staff to meet every student’s needs.
