The authors argue not only for more resources, but for an integrated national health care system, built around a strong public primary care system with a clearly defined supportive role for the private and indigenous sectors, that (i) addresses acute as well as chronic health care
needs; (ii) offers choice
of care that is rational,
accessible, and
of good quality, (iii) is cashless
at the
point of service delivery, and (iv) is governed by a robust regulatory framework to ensure accountability.
The key
points from each strand are highlighted as follows: Early Identification and support • Early identification
of need: health and development review
at 2/2.5 years • Support in early years from health professionals: greater capacity from health visiting services •
Accessible and high quality early years provision: DfE and DfH joint policy statement on the early years; tickell review
of EYFS; free entitlement
of 15 hours for disadvantaged two year olds • A new approach to statutory assessment: education, health and care plan to replace statement • A more efficient statutory assessment process: DoH to improve the provision and timeliness
of health advice; to reduce time limit for current statutory assessment process to 20 weeks Giving parent's control • Supporting families through the system: a continuation
of early support resources • Clearer information for parents: local authorities to set out a local offer
of support; slim down requirements on schools to publish SEN information • Giving parents more control over support and funding for their child: individual budget by 2014 for all those with EHC plan • A clear choice
of school: parents will have rights to express a preference for a state - funded school • Short breaks for carers and children: a continuation in investment in short breaks • Mediation to resolve disagreements: use
of mediation before a parent can register an appeal with the Tribunal