Guernsey Press

A need to improve clashes with finances

JUST how this States balances evidenced demand for improved services against a tricky financial picture will help define its legacy.

Published

History is littered with independent reports commissioned by different committees identifying the need for change to make islanders’ lives better which then lie dormant when they come face to face with the stark reality of having to spend money to achieve it.

We know, for example, that many families are left short of the support they need to bring them out of relative poverty, or that life-extending drugs and treatments readily available elsewhere are not provided here.

Yesterday the States released a review of special needs and disability provision in Guernsey schools.

It found effective practice, but inconsistencies that mean not everyone gets the help they need.

Partly it blames a lack of collaboration between services and an over-reliance on the goodwill of some. Silos need to be broken down.

It has also recommended that the age range for access to Send services should be increased to cover people from birth up to the age of 25, instead of the current five to 18 years, and there should be dedicated full-time special needs co-ordinators at all schools. All this comes at a price.

No one is committing to it all happening, despite all the nice-sounding sound bites released alongside the review. Education, Sport & Culture says it has received support from Policy & Resources. P&R says that there is no magic money tree and that ESC was looking at how to free up additional resources. As ever, it comes down to prioritisation.

Eyes will also be on the detailed recommendations that Education comes out with for the future of the secondary system. The Send provision was a major player in the old committee’s plans – it is likely to be a factor in this latest debate for parents and teachers.

Ironing out the inconsistencies in services on offer will ensure that everyone has a chance to maximise their ability and opportunities in life – society as a whole benefits from that.

ESC has committed to act on the report – just not when and to what extent.