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The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment a following the publication of the government's SEND Improvement Plan.

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

“Every child, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, should be able to access high-quality education and support – and for it to have the biggest impact, this access simply must start in the early years. 

"As such it is positive to see that the government's SEND Improvement Plan acknowledges the importance of high-quality SEND provision that starts from the early years, and critically, the need for a review into the existing early years SEND funding system.

"However, warm words will only take us so far. It is absolutely pivotal, therefore, that this review leads to a significant and long-term increase in early years SEND funding – because, as it stands, funding does not come anywhere near close to what is needed.  We know that early educators are extremely committed to supporting children with SEND, but the fact is that the current system is not fit-for-purpose and as such, it is increasingly impossible for them to be able to do so sustainably. 

“The government’s SEND improvement plan is a starting point, but there is clearly a huge amount of work to be done if we are to turn rhetoric into action, and ensure that families receive the support they need when it has the potential to make the most difference.”