Natspec has today published ‘Unlocking potential’, its manifesto for the 2024 UK general election. The manifesto will be formally launched this afternoon at a reception at the House of Commons. Learners and staff from across Natspec’s member colleges will be meeting with MPs to explain the importance of specialist further education (FE) and to set out some of the policy changes needed to ensure young people with more complex needs are able to access high quality specialist provision.
Our manifesto calls for three key things:
- Fair access to specialist FE for those learners who need it
- Investment in the specialist FE sector to ensure high quality provision is available to these learners
- A joined-up approach across government departments, so that young people with more complex needs have the support they need to thrive once they leave college.
We also set out in our manifesto a vision for a high-functioning FE system for young people with SEND, in which learners can access the education and support they need. The system we envisage is dependent on there being an appropriate mix and balance of mainstream and specialist FE providers in each local area, all with sufficient funding to enable them to deliver high quality programmes. These providers need to be able to recruit and retain staff with appropriate expertise in a range of disciplines. An effective system also requires local authority staff to have a secure understanding of both learner needs and local and regional provision, along with the resources they need to fulfil their statutory duties.
Clare Howard, Natspec’s chief executive, said:
Whichever party leads the next government, it’s essential that they turn their attention to this vital part of the SEND system. Specialist colleges provide for around 10% of FE learners with Education and Health Care Plans – around 8,000 learners whose needs cannot be met in mainstream settings. Government relies on specialist colleges to provide this essential service but has not been prepared to properly invest in it or fully recognise its contribution. While this is frustrating for specialist colleges, ultimately it’s young people with more complex needs who are suffering as a result. Our manifesto sets out the policy changes needed to ensure that they get the high quality education and training they need and the post-college opportunities they deserve.
Natspec welcomes responses to its manifesto and is keen to work together with any organisations or individuals who share our vision for a high-functioning FE system for learners with SEND. You can contact us at info@natspec.org.uk.