Commenting after the passing of motion 23 at NEU Annual Conference, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“As professionals we know the ongoing and critical issues relating to SEND in mainstream and special schools and have repeatedly called upon the government to listen and act in the best interests of SEND students and the staff who work with them.
“The SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan is far from a reflection of the views of the sector or a representation of the extensive consultation that led to its publication. The government has not listened. The measures currently being rolled out in England serve largely to reduce spending on SEND, without improving services and provision for SEND students or the schools endeavouring to support them.
“What we need is investment in making mainstream schools more inclusive, not asking them to do more with less money and fewer staff. We need a changed and more suitable curriculum and qualifications offer which is fit for purpose for all students not just the most able or those able to remember and regurgitate content.
“In Wales, the clear recommendations on additional learning needs in schools made by ALNCo Task and Finish group need urgent action by the Welsh Assembly Government and we call on the new First Minister to make this a priority as he takes office.”