General Election manifestos don't go far enough to tackle widening disadvantage gap, argue researchers

Analysis by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) of the political parties’ manifestos argues that their commitments ‘do not go far enough’ and that they should have been clearer on how they would tackle the soaring costs of provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), recruit and retain the workforce our education system needs, and address the widening disadvantage gap across all phases, through targeted interventions and funding.

It states that while all parties have committed to rolling out ‘free’ early years entitlements, there is little focus on improving access for the most disadvantaged and rebuilding early intervention services.

The report also argues that issues of retention and recruitment of the early years workforce have been poorly addressed by all parties.

'Our analysis raises serious questions about whether the plans set out in the manifestos of the main parties will deliver the action that is required'.

Jon Andrews, head of analysis at the Education Policy Institute (EPI), said, ‘Following the pandemic’s disruption and over a decade of austerity, the education system in England faces significant challenges in the years ahead, which will have to be addressed by any incoming government.

‘Some of the proposed measures lack an evidence-based focus on improving the quality of provision, with a lack of clarity on how they will be funded or how support will be targeted to the most disadvantaged.

‘Our analysis raises serious questions about whether the plans set out in the manifestos of the main parties will deliver the action that is required to support our education system. With a lack of clear funding commitments made by the two main parties, there is a genuine risk that policies will fall short in key areas of need.’

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said that ‘regardless of who forms the next government, it looks likely that many will continue to be frozen out of being able to access funded places.’

The Local Government Association’s children and young people board chair, councillor Louise Gittins, commented, ‘ It is ‘absolutely vital whoever forms the next government brings forward proposals, without delay, to reform the SEND system, with a focus on improving levels of mainstream inclusion, as well as write off councils’ high needs deficits.

‘Councils want to be able to provide the very best support to children with special educational needs and their families.’