The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has warmly welcomed the Education Select Committee's report on the draft clauses of the Children and Families Bill.
Julie Jennings, RNIB's Children, Young People and Families Manager, said: "The Committee has recognised the fundamental points, raised by RNIB and other organisations, that would further strengthen and deliver the Government's aspirations for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
"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.
"Active Involvement of the NHS"
"We are delighted with the Committee's recognition that the active involvement of the NHS is critical to the success of the legislation. Many children and young people with sight loss who have other health conditions would benefit from a change in approach to the role and responsibilities of the NHS under the Children and Families Bill.
"We also welcome the recommendation that disabled children are included in the scope of the Bill and that the Government needs to make it clear that it covers children from birth onwards. This is particularly important for children with sight loss, to ensure that they receive the intensive health and education developmental support provided in the first two years of life.
"These changes are vital"
"In the current economic climate, when local authorities are forced to cut services, the Government's failure both to outline minimum standards for SEN provision and to impose a duty on local authorities to deliver what is in the 'local offer' is deeply worrying. The Education Select Committee has recommended that there should be minimum standards and a national framework. They also recommend that there need to be accountability measures by which they can be evaluated. RNIB believes that these changes are vital."
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Notes to editors
The Select Committee have made other welcome recommendations:
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That Education Health and Care Plans will have the same legal status as Statements.
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That the Code of Practice is laid before Parliament to allow scrutiny.
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Emphasising the importance of specifying detail in the Education Health and Care Plans.
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Ensuring that the skills and training for professionals undertaking assessments are taken into account by the Regulations.
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A presumption that a key worker or lead professional should be appointed unless a good reason is given not to.
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The inclusion of independent schools and colleges for parental preference.
They have also sought reassurance that the extension of approaches for birth to 25 years will also address the needs of young people pursuing Higher Education.
RNIB
RNIB work to ensure that blind and partially sighted children and adults including those with additional disabilities maximise their potential. We provide support, advice and information for parents, carers and professionals as well as delivering specialist residential care, education and work related training within our schools and College. www.rnib.org.uk