Bridget Phillipson must not abandon special needs children

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, has recently refocused on her ministerial duties — but many parents of children with special needs wish she hadn’t. Her latest announcement from the Department for Education has provoked widespread concern among families who depend on the stability of special needs provision in schools.

Earlier in the autumn, Phillipson’s failed bid to become the deputy leader of the Labour Party reportedly distracted from her departmental work. As a result, the much-anticipated white paper on schools’ special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been delayed until next year.

Parents are anxious about both the delay and the rumours circulating around a possible sweeping reform of the SEND system — changes that could place additional burdens on families already struggling to secure appropriate support for their children.

Reports suggest that children with ‘lower level’ needs may lose access to one-to-one teaching assistant support.

Rising concern among families

Postponement of the SEND white paper deepens uncertainty.
Rumours of a system overhaul cause distress among parents.
Potential cuts threaten individual teaching assistance for many pupils.

Author’s Summary

Bridget Phillipson’s delay in addressing SEND reforms and possible reduction in school support have sparked alarm among families who rely on consistent special needs provision.

The Spectator Australia — 2025-11-05