BBC SEND Panorama documentary: bit late tweeting about this but I agree completely with what many others have said. The picture painted from watching it last night was of a flawed bureaucratic system that needs a complete overhaul. I can’t agree with that!

It’s not that complicated, the problem is chronic underfunding and, as a consequence, widespread disregard (or misunderstanding) of the law by those involved.

A proper through assessment of need through an organised process, followed by a lawful EHCP that fully specifies and quantifies provision is a good thing. As is the ability to take matters to an independent tribunal in the event of a dispute.

what we have at the moment – parents have to fight for assessments, and then fight for good plans is obviously awful. But to sort that what is needed is training for all involved (to understand simple concepts like the need to specify and quantify provision) and proper funding.

that'd do it! any suggestion to rip up the whole system and start again will in my view only result in the same problems unless the funding and training issue is addressed!

the training shouldn't take long - threshold for EHCP assessment is a low one, don't have policies that set criteria which aren't set out in law, get information from all relevant people (including therapists) during the assessment and ask them to specify provision.

then put all those specific recommendations into a plan and review again in 12 months time. Simple!.

Also. Maybe EHCPs should have a strict word limit. 10000 words is too long!