The government will overhaul the special educational needs system and reduce delays in the family justice and adoption systems, under new legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech.
The Bill would introduce a single, simpler assessment process for children with SEN or disabilities, backed up by new Education, Health and Care Plans. It would speed up care proceedings in family courts with the introduction of a new six-month time limit on cases and other reforms. It would also include legislation to stop delays by social workers in matching parents to ethnic minority children and would strengthen the law so children have a relationship with both parents if families break up – if that is in their best interest. Ministers will consult shortly on the legal options about how this would work. The Bill would also strengthen the powers of the Children’s Commissioner and contains provisions relating to flexible parental leave.
The Bill is expected to be introduced early in 2013. The full press release is available here: http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00208753/childrens-bill-family-support
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