Supporting aspirations – or not? Recent reforms on equality, the green paper on Special Educational Needs and the potential of a neurodiversity spectrum statement

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply critical legal analysis to laws, policies and reforms focused on special educational needs (SEN) and equality in England and to suggest a Neurodiversity spectrum statement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews current legal and policy initiatives in SEN, together with recent reforms in equality law.FindingsWhile past and current policies may have laudable aims, tensions such as a lack of integration of education, health and social services have had prejudicial outcomes for children with SEN, their families/carers, and the professionals involved.Originality/valueLegal reforms promise to remedy some problems, but must be underpinned by adequate resourcing, appeal procedures, and remedies which foster the enforcement of legal duties. Some resources for families with children with SEN are noted.