The post (8of8) discusses The Every Child Achieving and Thriving SEND White Paper proposals of significant reforms to the current education system, moving from EHCPs to ISPs for improved consistency and early intervention. However, the article argues that true reform requires a cultural shift towards inclusion and belonging, rather than merely process enhancements, to support all children effectively.
Disciples
Inclusion Beyond Compliance: School, Church, and Community
This post (7 of 8) discusses how the SEND landscape faces frustration with compliance procedures that, while necessary for safeguarding vulnerable children, can feel burdensome. Reforms aim to simplify processes but may overlook the importance of relational frameworks vital for genuine inclusion. Effective belonging cannot be achieved through paperwork alone; it requires community and connection.
Algorithms, Appetite, and the Economics of Harm
This post (6 of 8) discusses how children are shaped by economic systems, particularly through technology and food, which influence their desires and behaviours. It highlights the negative impacts of social media and ultra-processed foods on mental and physical health, advocating for reforms that consider these market incentives to foster genuine belonging and well-being.
Fear and Fences: Safety, Risk, and the Loss of Informal Space
Since the 1990s, safeguarding reforms in the UK have improved child protection, but they risk stifling opportunities for children's growth through over-regulation. Institutionalised environments, while protective, can limit informal interactions essential for developing relational skills. The challenge lies in finding a balance between safety and the nurturing of genuine community and resilience.
The Disappearance of Informal Belonging
This post (4 of 8) discusses the decline of informal spaces for children due to increased scheduling and digital interaction, impacting the concept of belonging and inclusion. While structured activities provide support, they may not foster genuine social connections, particularly for children with SEND. Emphasising unstructured experiences is vital for relational integration and community.
Creativity, Arts, and the Formation of the Human
This post (3 of 8 in a SEND reform series) argues that creativity is not merely an enrichment in education but essential for human development. Since the introduction of the EBacc in 2010, there has been a decline in arts education, particularly in state schools. This marginalisation risks reducing the understanding of personhood and spiritual formation, limiting both cognitive and social growth.
Worth Beyond Metrics: The Performance Society
The Government's white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, emphasises inclusion and high standards for all children while acknowledging the challenges posed by accountability measures. These metrics often prioritise achievement over individual worth, particularly affecting those with SEND. True reform must shift from a productivity focus to recognising inherent dignity in every child.
SEND Reform: Necessary, Complex, Hopeful
On Monday the Government released the SEND white paper, aiming to improve support for children with special educational needs. Key proposals include earlier identification, consistent mainstream support, and the introduction of Inclusion Support Plans. However, concerns about the practicality of these reforms and the overall educational culture persist, prompting further reflection on systemic changes.
Reforming for Belonging
Yesterday the Government published its SEND white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.[i] As a parent of children with special educational needs, I have lived the exhaustion of fighting for provision. As a pastor shaped by what I call Broken Theology, I spend much of my time thinking about who is included and who is … Continue reading Reforming for Belonging
Eleven Pipers Piping
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping. The eleven pipers piping have traditionally been linked with the eleven remaining apostles—the witnesses who continued after betrayal, loss, and profound failure...
The Broken Church 