Industry News
Conservatives call for overhaul of special needs system
Posted on 30th July 2007
Parents of special needs children should be given more choice when it comes to education, according to the Conservative party.
New proposals published by the Conservative Policy Commission recommended that special school places should be restored and parents ought to have greater involvement in their children's education.
Additionally, the commission called for special schools to be given the opportunity to obtain 'special academy status' and to make the assessment process more independent.
Shadow education secretary Michael Gove criticised the government's policy of "inclusion", arguing that the reduction in the number of special needs places has caused greater problems for a number of young people.
"This report charts a way forward which puts parents back in the driving seat and I welcome it," he remarked.
Earlier this month, children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls announced a £456 million package of funding for projects aimed at supporting the wellbeing of children and their families.