{"id":68896,"date":"2026-02-24T13:45:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T13:45:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=68896"},"modified":"2026-02-24T13:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T13:45:35","slug":"lead-councillor-welcomes-publication-of-education-send-white-paper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/lead-councillor-welcomes-publication-of-education-send-white-paper\/","title":{"rendered":"Lead Councillor welcomes publication of education and SEND White Paper"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Councillor Denise Bickley, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), has welcomed the publication of the government\u2019s education and SEND white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The white paper sets out the government\u2019s plans to improve outcomes for children and young people. This includes children with SEND and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Bickley said the publication is an important step forward. It recognises the scale of the challenge facing the SEND system and the need for long\u2011term reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She welcomed the white paper\u2019s focus on earlier support for children, clearer national standards, and stronger partnership working between education, health and care services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also welcomed the emphasis on inclusion and building workforce capacity, including plans to recruit more teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Bickley said councils have long called for these priorities and are ready to play their part in delivering change.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Councillor Denise Bickley said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThe publication of this white paper is a positive step. It clearly recognises the pressures facing the SEND system and the need to improve outcomes for children and young people.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe focus on earlier intervention is welcome. Supporting children sooner can make a real difference to their lives and reduce the need for more intensive support later on.<\/p>\n

\u201cClearer national standards and stronger joint working between education, health and care services are also important. Families need greater consistency and confidence, wherever they live.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe white paper\u2019s commitment to inclusion and workforce growth, including recruiting more teachers, is encouraging. These are essential foundations for a stronger system.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeachers need to be allowed to teach \u2013 and be respected for the knowledge and experience they bring to their role. Teaching assistants need to be recognised for the vital role they play in schools. We will see how the white paper, as it moves through consultation, addresses this.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is an obvious desire from schools and families for smaller class sizes and parents will want reassurance that funding will be sufficient to allow this \u2013 although if schools are given the tools to pool funding and work collaboratively, as laid out in the plans, this may well free up funding for complete reorganisation and innovative planning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree that all children should be stretched, as long as that is a comfortable, encouraging stretch and not pressured – but I am concerned about the suggestion of more statutory testing, now at Year 8.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn general I like the tone of the paper; that it is a long term ambition with early help and collaboration at its heart. This is shared by Devon County Council.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are committed to working constructively with ministers, partners and families as these proposals are taken forward. With the right funding and long\u2011term planning, this reform has the potential to deliver a more stable and sustainable education system that works better for all<\/em> children, families and schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – SEND<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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