Responding after education minister Stephen Morgan this morning followed education secretary Bridget Phillipson in declining to rule out a shake-up of the Education Health and Care Plan system, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The broken special educational needs (SEND) system isn’t working for anyone – children, parents, schools or local authorities.

“Something needs to change, and while it is right that the government is looking at fundamental reform, it will be crucial that ministers are able to demonstrate that any proposals strengthen, not weaken, support for pupils with additional needs.

“Any reforms in this space will likely provoke strong reactions and it will be crucial that the government works closely with both parents and schools every step of the way."