SEND provision: the hidden gem of independent schools at risk

Independent schools are diverse in nature, catering to a vast range of learning requirements and preferences – including the valuable support provided to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is these children – and their families – who face the most disruption to their education should VAT be added to school fees.

These schools provide much-needed capacity for SEND provision within the wider education system; 103,000 pupils in ISC schools receive some form of SEND support, in both mainstream and specialist settings. Of these, only around 7,000 have education, health and care plans (EHCPs), funded by their local authority.

Families often choose independent schools because of the smaller-than-average class sizes; the higher teacher-pupil ratio can make it easier for school staff to provide individualised support based on pupils’ strengths and needs.

As well as the support for students with SEND in their care, independent schools play a key role in supporting their wider communities through establishing meaningful partnerships with state schools and local organisations. These important initiatives are often holistic, offering opportunities for academic, social and emotional development. St Albans School, for instance, has partnered with Watling View School, a maintained special school, for the past fifteen years. Every Friday, students from St Albans School visit Watling View to help with activities for their children and young people, who are aged between 2 and 19. This longstanding partnership is mutually beneficial; the Watling View pupils develop secure, trusting relationships with positive young role models, while the St Albans School students gain self-confidence and enhance their communication skills.

That is just one example of this inspiring work; other SEND partnerships taking place across both sectors involve the creation of Sendco (special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator) forums, which provide valuable training; enriching holiday programmes, and inclusive educational resources. ?

So, what would VAT on fees mean for this sort of provision?

The implications of this policy are significant. It would make independent provision unaffordable for many parents of SEND children. Some smaller independent schools may face closure as pupils move to the already stretched state sector. There is also the potential for more families to seek EHCPs, as these would be VAT-exempt, adding strain to local authority budgets.

On behalf of worried schools and families, we are asking Labour for:

1.?????? An exemption for all pupils with SEND from the VAT proposals, not only those with an EHCP.

2.?????? A full impact assessment of the policy on state SEND provision and local authority budgets.

All children should be able to access the specialist care they need, and their families should have the freedom to opt for an independent school without the threat of punitive tax measures affecting their choice.