THE government’s schools plans lack the necessary ambition and investment, teachers’ unions have warned, despite a £4 billion package for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) announced today.

The overhaul includes £1.6bn over three years for an “inclusive mainstream fund” and £1.8bn for an “experts at hand” service of specialists available to schools on demand.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised “tailored support” for families, and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the reforms a “watershed moment.”

But Unison head of education Mike Short said the money “has to go where it’s needed” and “exactly how that will happen under these new plans is not clear.” 

He added that support staff must be “properly recognise and reward[ed]” for their work with Send children.

NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said teachers’ voices are “conspicuously absent” from the plans. 

He added: “The investment suggested is barely enough to replace a plug socket. 
“This is not a rewire or a reform — it is a rehash that risks placing additional burdens on schools.”

He also condemned the “pitiful level of maternity pay within teaching” as “deeply insulting,” calling for 26 weeks of fully paid leave.