All the latest news on our campaign to influence the Children and Families Bill. Unfortunately, many people still don't know about this so please take part in the campaign by writing a letter to your local newspaper!
11th June 2013 - Report stage House of Commons
In June, the Report stage of the Children and Families Bill took place where MPs had the opportunity to suggest further changes to the Bill. Here, Alison Seabeck MP raised our concern about the registration of visually impaired children.
25th April 2013 - Committee Stage in the House of Commons concludes
In April, the Public Bill Committee finished its detailed examination of the Children and Families Bill. During this period, we worked closely with MPs to table amendments to the Bill and a number of our concerns were raised. This included the importance of ensuring that children and young people with low incidence needs can get access to the specialist services they need and the issue of regional commissioning.
14th March 2013 - The Government publishes the indicative draft Code of Practice and Regulations
The Government has provided Parliament with the indicative draft of the (0-25) Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. The SEN Code of Practice provides the framework for support for children with SEN and is being revised in parallel with the Bill to reflect the new provisions. A subsequent draft will be published for formal consultation in late 2013 before a final draft is placed before Parliament for approval.
25 February 2013, The Children and Families Bill passes its Second Reading
On 25th February, the Children and Families Bill had its Second Reading. MPs debated the Governments proposals to change the support provided to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Before the debate, RNIB produced a briefing for MPs setting out a number of concerns and questions that could be raised for clarification during the Second Reading debate.
February 2013, The Government publishes the Children and Families Bill
The Children and Families Bill was presented to Parliament on 4th February. This was the First Reading of the Bill and there was no debate at this stage. RNIB has responded to the Bill highlighting that it fails to fully address the needs of blind and partially sighted children and young people.
The Second Reading of the Bill is expected on 25th February and this will be the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main proposals of the Bill.
December 2012, The Education Select Committee publishes its pre-legislative report on the Children and Families Bill
RNIB warmly welcomed the Committee's report on the draft clauses of the Children and Families Bill. The Report recognised essential points raised by RNIB and other organisations.
"Without the changes recommended by the Committee, the Children and Families Bill will simply not ensure the quality and level of provision of special educational needs support needed by many children and young people with sight loss" Julie Jennings, RNIB's Children, Young People and Families Manager
Autumn 2012, The Education Select Committee carries out pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed reforms
RNIB submitted a response to the Education Select Committee's call for evidence as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Children and Families Bill.
September 2012, The Government publishes draft SEN and disability provisions
RNIB welcomed the draft provisions for SEN and disability that will form part of the Children and Families Bill.
Steve Winyard, RNIB's Head of Policy and Campaigns stated "it is positive the Government is prioritising reforms which will benefit children and young people with SEN and disabilities but of course the devil is always in the detail"
For example, concerns exist surrounding the 'local offer' and that unless adequately defined in law, it will fail to serve thousands of families who cannot get an Education, Health and Care Plan.
May 2012, The Government publishes its response to the Green Paper consultation
The document "Support and Aspiration: a new approach to special educational needs and disability: Progress and next steps", sets out progress made and the next steps in taking forward the Green Paper reforms.
September 2011, Pathfinders set up
20 pathfinders set up to test out the main proposals from the Green Paper, including the single assessment and Education, Health and Care Plan.
Information from the pathfinders will be evaluated to inform the process surrounding the Children and Families Bill.
March to June 2011, Green Paper published on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and support for children with disabilities
In March the Government published the Green Paper "Support and Aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability".
As part of the consultation surrounding the Green Paper, RNIB ran a number of small workshops to learn more about the experiences of parents and professionals. In June, RNIB submitted responses to the consultation.
RNIB's first response was submitted on behalf of the UK Vision Strategy Joint Initiatives for Children and Young People Group