INCLUSION – National Network of Parent Carer Forums C.I.C

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) acknowledges and welcomes the government’s recent announcement to extend mental health support to nearly one million additional pupils across England. (GOV.UK)

We welcome this investment and the recognition of the critical role mental health plays in the overall well-being and educational outcomes of our children. Early intervention and accessible support within educational settings are vital components ensuring that mental health challenges are addressed promptly.

However, we must emphasize that while this expansion is a positive development, it does not fully address the unique challenges faced by some children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Many families continue to encounter significant barriers in accessing appropriate mental health services tailored to the specific needs of their children. Issues such as long waiting times, lack of specialized support, and insufficient integration between educational and health services persist, often leaving SEND pupils without the necessary resources to thrive.

It is imperative that the rollout of mental health support teams includes provisions specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of SEND students. This includes training for mental health professionals in SEND-specific issues, ensuring that interventions are adaptable and inclusive, and fostering collaboration between schools, health services, and families.

Furthermore, while the goal to provide universal access to mental health support by 2029/30 is ambitious, the urgency of the current mental health crisis among young people necessitates accelerated action.

The NNPCF remains committed to working collaboratively with the government, educational institutions, and health services to ensure that the voices of families are heard and that the mental health needs of all children and young people, especially those with SEND, are adequately met.

The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) is aware of recent media coverage concerning potential reductions in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

As the national voice of parent carer forums in England, the NNPCF has been actively engaged in a range of roundtable discussions and informal conversations with partners across Education, Health, and Social Care regarding the ongoing SEND challenges.

We fully acknowledge the current challenges within the SEND system. Too often, families are forced to fight for an EHCP in order to access support and targeted provision that should be available without the need for a statutory plan. This has a profound and lasting impact on families — from the ability of parents to work due to low attendance or part-time timetables, to high exclusion rates, increased medical appointments, and the compounded pressures of the rising cost of living.

We also recognise the concerns families have around proposed welfare benefit reforms, which could further impact their financial and emotional well-being.

The NNPCF supports the government’s ambition for a more inclusive mainstream education system — one where children and young people with SEND receive the support they need without having to navigate a complex and adversarial process. However, we firmly believe that any system MUST include strong mechanisms for accountability and redress to ensure it delivers for all children and young people with SEND.

While reforms aim to build a better system for future generations, it is essential that the new system also addresses the needs of those currently navigating it — many of whom have already been let down or traumatised by the existing framework. Rebuilding trust must be a priority.

Any changes MUST be supported by a robust implementation plan, underpinned by sufficient funding and a skilled, well-trained workforce.

The NNPCF continues to advocate strongly for meaningful and wide-ranging engagement with families. Families must be central to shaping and implementing reforms — their voices must be heard, and their lived experiences must guide the development of a system that works for all.