The education system is still letting down children with autism three years after major reforms, says a new report.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism (APPGA) report found more than half of all children with autism are not happy at school. And 50 per cent of parents waited more than a year for the right support.
The findings come three years after the Government reformed the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system.
MPs Maria Caulfield (above) and Huw Merriman (below): urging Government to develop a national strategy for pupils with autism
Introduction of EHC plans
The main change was the introduction of education, health and care (EHC) plans.
EHC plans must spell out health and social care needs, as well as educational requirements. They must also be “person centred”.
But the report suggests improvements remain a long way off.
Call for more changes to special education system
It calls on the Government to develop a national autism and education strategy by the end of 2019.
The strategy should include school staff training, reasonable adjustments for pupils, a specialist curriculum and measures to reduce bullying.
There should also be guidance for councils on commissioning the full range of provision.
The inquiry was co-chaired by MPs Huw Merriman and Maria Caulfield.
They urged the Government to develop a national strategy so every autistic child can “reach their potential.”
Parent Cath Mackinlay, from Surrey, submitted written evidence to the APPGA.
Bullying tactics
She said the report does not go far enough in addressing “bullying tactics” by local councils.
Mackinlay said there was a “culture of parental blame”.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has said previously that councils do not have enough money to meet the requirements of children with “high needs”.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said they would consider the report.
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Published: 1 December 2017
