Good Morning Britain Broadcasts Live from TCES East London School
Yesterday the government published its long-awaited SEND White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, setting out major reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities system in England.
The proposals aim to strengthen mainstream inclusion, introduce nationally defined Specialist Provision Packages and reform the current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) system. The paper outlines a shift towards earlier intervention, clearer national standards and greater consistency of support for children and young people with SEND.
On Monday morning, Good Morning Britain broadcast live from TCES East London, where Chief Executive Thomas Keaney and Headteacher Ishamar Blake and Deputy Head K’Dee Bernard were interviewed about the proposed reforms and what they mean for children with complex needs and their families.
Speaking in response to the White Paper, Thomas Keaney said:
“The government is right to recognise that the current SEND system is not working for too many children and families. The ambition set out in Every Child Achieving and Thriving to intervene earlier, build inclusion in mainstream schools and ensure more consistent, evidence-based support is one we strongly support.
“However, it is vital that changes to EHCPs and the introduction of nationally defined Specialist Provision Packages do not inadvertently narrow access to the specialist provision that some children genuinely need. For children with the most complex social, emotional and mental health needs, high-quality specialist and independent special schools play a critical role.
“We are also cautious about any reforms that could reduce parental confidence or limit choice. For many families, an EHCP is not just a document but a safeguard, a guarantee that their child’s needs will be met. Reform must strengthen that trust, not weaken it.
“Inclusion should mean building capacity in mainstream schools while recognising that a continuum of provision is essential. Independent special schools are not an alternative to inclusion, they are often a vital part of delivering it, particularly where needs are complex and layered.
“We support the government’s ambition for a fairer, earlier and more effective system. But reform must be delivered in genuine partnership with specialist providers, ensuring that children with the highest levels of need continue to access the bespoke, therapeutic and high-expectation environments in which they can truly achieve and thrive.”
During the live broadcast, Thomas and Ishamar highlighted the work taking place at TCES East London to support children and young people with complex social, emotional and mental health needs. They emphasised the importance of therapeutic education, strong relationships and personalised support in helping pupils re-engage with learning and achieve positive long-term outcomes. TCES through its Great Minds therapy and training service will be supporting mainstream schools across the country to reduce exclusions, absences and lost learning.
As the consultation period begins, TCES Group welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with government, local authorities and sector partners to ensure reforms deliver meaningful change for children and families.
We will continue to engage with the consultation process and advocate for a SEND system that is earlier, fairer and genuinely inclusive, while protecting access to the specialist expertise that many children rely on to succeed.
The Good Morning Britain episode featuring TCES can be found on ITVX with interviews taking place after each hour from 6am right through and including at 9:13 minutes: Good Morning Britain - Series 13 - Episode 36 - ITVX