Buckinghamshire Council is taking firm local action to tackle long waits for Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments, stepping in where the Labour Government has failed to deliver.
Despite Labour’s promises to fix the national SEND system, their reforms remain stalled. Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire Council is investing an extra £3 million to speed up assessments and get families the support they need, faster.
This targeted funding will boost staffing levels, bring in specialist expertise, and cut waiting times, meaning children and young people with additional needs aren’t left in limbo.
The council’s action builds on years of determined local progress, including:
🔹 Hundreds of new specialist school places
🔹 Stronger early intervention
🔹 A clear focus on inclusion
Cllr Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said:
“It’s disappointing that promised national SEND reforms have been delayed yet again. This funding will help us deliver EHCPs faster and ensure children with additional needs get the support they deserve.”
While Labour ducks responsibility, Buckinghamshire is getting on with the job, building a stronger, quicker, and more supportive SEND system from the ground up.
