A recent study indicates that underprivileged children are more likely to require special educational support but are less likely to receive the necessary assistance, highlighting a concerning disparity in the education system. The Sutton Trust has revealed that children from disadvantaged backgrounds face a dual setback due to inconsistencies and complex bureaucracy in the system.
According to the research conducted by the education charity, although 26% of children are eligible for free school meals (FSM), they represent 44% of those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and 39% of those receiving support without an EHCP. Furthermore, disadvantaged children requiring support tend to achieve poorer academic outcomes by the age of 16 compared to their more affluent counterparts.
In terms of access to specialized support, children from wealthier families are more likely to secure an EHCP, a legal guarantee for tailored assistance, partly due to higher financial investments made by their parents in the application process. The study found that middle-class parents were more willing to spend money on EHCP applications, with 68% investing in the process, compared to only 28% of working-class parents. Moreover, affluent families were also more successful in securing special school placements for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Sutton Trust has highlighted the issue of inequality in accessing support, emphasizing that affluent families have a higher success rate in using tribunals for appeals related to EHCP applications. The financial burden on families with children having special needs is substantial, with a significant percentage reporting adjustments in employment to cater to their child’s requirements, including leaving jobs, changing roles, reducing working hours, and incurring debt for necessary resources.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is developing plans to revamp the struggling SEND system through a white paper to be released this autumn, aiming to simplify the system for fairer access to support for all parents. The findings of the study underscore the urgent need for reforms to address the inequalities in the education system and provide equitable opportunities for all children, regardless of their background or financial status.