9 min read59 min Former cabinet minister Robert Buckland, a SEND campaigner and parent to an autistic child, speaks to Matilda Martin about why the government’s approach could fail those with the most complex needs, and what lessons can be learned from mistakes made by the Tories Sir Robert Buckland is concerned that history is repeating itself. “Having been through the process myself as a parent, and having done the Children and Families Act as a backbencher, just before I entered government, I’ve got the scars on my back about all of this, and I’ve seen a lot of this before.” Twelve years ago, as a backbench Tory MP, the former cabinet minister contributed to what was arguably the biggest shake-up of the education system in a generation, as children’s rights to support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were set out in law under education, health and care plans (EHCPs). More than a decade later, a system introduced to bring greater certainty for young people is in crisis, described by the …