The government is delaying reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) system and other policy proposals for schools in England until next year.
It originally planned to publish its Schools White paper, which includes plans for Send, this autumn.
But Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said there would be a “further period of co-creation, testing our proposals with the people who matter most in this reform”.
The Disabled Children’s Partnership said the delay was “deeply frustrating for parents” but added it was “important that the government takes time to make the right decisions”. The County Councils Network called it “massively disappointing”.
In a letter to Helen Hayes, chair of the education select committee, Phillipson said: “We will bring forward a full Schools White Paper early in the new year, underpinned by our belief that high standards and inclusion are two sides of the same coin.
“Through this period of co-creation with parents, educators, experts and representative organisations, we will test policy options being considered and seek views through listening sessions in every region of the country, and fortnightly ministerial meetings with key parent and expert groups.”
Ministers have faced calls not to cut education, health and care plans (EHCPs) children and young people with Send.
Last month, the education select committee recommended that the government keep them.
The National Audit Office said the Send system in England was “broken”, not financially sustainable and failing to deliver better outcomes for children and young people.
Anna Bird, chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, said the delay to the white paper was “deeply frustrating for parents who need an end to the uncertainty swirling around Send” provision when their lives are complex enough”.
But she added it was “important that the government takes time to make the right decisions” and welcomed efforts “to listen to and learn from young people, families and charities”.
Cllr Bill Revans, Send spokesman for the County Councils Network, said the system was “in crisis” and warned that local authorities could end up £6bn in deficit by next March because of the costs associated with supporting young people with EHCPs.
“Time is of the essence – so this delay is massively disappointing. We need comprehensive changes that will make the system sustainable,” he said.
“Anything other than root and branch reform will place councils in a vicious cycle of overspending and worsening services for families.”
Liberal Democrat schools spokeswoman Caroline Voaden said the delay was “an absolute betrayal of every child with special educational needs and disabilities and their families”.
“Send services are already in crisis. Parents are worn out by fighting a broken system, children are waiting months or even years for vital support, and local authority budgets are at breaking point,” she said.
“To kick the can down the road until 2026 is an admission that the government has no plan, and no sense of urgency.”
Helen Hayes told the : “I’m pleased that the government has listened to our report’s recommendations and is taking the time to properly engage with families and stakeholders on its reforms to the Send system.”
She said it was “vital” that children and families’ voices were “at the heart of the white paper”.
Additional reporting by Alex Forsyth
