Charity raises fears over impact of proposed SEND overhaul on children with Down syndrome

A Berkshire charity supporting children with Down syndrome and their families has raised fears that Government’s proposed overhaul of the SEND system could ‘strip away the legal protections’ they currently rely on.

Chattertots has raised concerns about the Government’s proposed changes ahead of its community party at Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP) later this month to mark World Down Syndrome Day.

The charity said it is using the occasion to draw attention to the changes to the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) system in the Government’s Schools White Paper.

Last month, the Labour Government announced significant changes to the system, which included proposals to overhaul Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

An EHCP is a legal document used for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities up to the age of 25, outlining the additional support they require.

Under the plans, only children and young people with the most complex needs will qualify for EHCPs, which will be underpinned by specialist provision packages.

Alternatively, the Government will introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which schools will be legally required to produce for every child or young person with SEND.

The charity has raised concerns over the impact of the proposals, particularly the lack of clarity for families of children with Down syndrome.

Chattertots says it is ‘not yet clear’ if children with Down syndrome will meet the new criteria for a specialist provision package, and therefore an EHCP.

The charity added that Down syndrome ‘presents a unique and complex learning profile’, and the white paper has ‘not defined complexity in a way that gives families any certainty’.

Further concerns have been raised about the reassessment of children’s needs at key transition points, and the way in which a child’s eligibility for an EHCP is defined.

Clare McIntosh, Chattertots charity manager, said: “EHCPs are not bureaucratic paperwork.

“For our families they are the difference between a child getting the support they need and a family fighting alone.

“The Down Syndrome Act 2022 was a moment of real hope – it said our

children matter, their needs are specific, and public bodies must respond.

“We are worried that the SEND White Paper risks moving in the opposite direction, just as that hope is becoming real.”

The community party on Sunday, March 29 will be joined by Maidenhead’s MP Josh Reynolds.

Families in Berkshire will have the opportunity to discuss their concerns with him during the event.

Popular children’s entertainers Hartbeeps, will be performing a lively set at the event, which will take place form 1pm to 4pm.

Visitors will enjoy hours of fun at the on-site soft play area, which will be open throughout.

Guests will be treated to pizza, a celebration cake and there will be an opportunity for families to connect with others who understand their journey.

The event will also feature the launch of The Mizzy Mysteries: The Skeleton in the Closet, which is the second book in the Mizzy Mysteries Series by Claire Hatcher Smith.

Mizzy is a young detective with Down syndrome, created by an author who has more than 30 years of experience working in SEN settings.

The audiobook is narrated by Poppy Mae Barratt, an actor with Down syndrome.

Poppy said: “Mizzy is different to any other detective because she has Down syndrome and I was chosen to be Mizzy’s voice because I too have Down syndrome.

“I think children will love Mizzy, because she’s quirky and fun and thinks in a different way.”

Chattertots and Harper Collins will gift copies of the book to local schools as part of its ‘ongoing commitment to inclusion and representation’, the charity said.

The Department for Education was contacted for comment.