These recommendations have the potential to have a real, positive impact on the FE sector and specifically specialist colleges and the young people they support. It is crucial that the DfE acts on these recommendations to build a genuinely inclusive and effective skills system for everyone.

The report acts on many of the recommendations provided by Natspec, including bringing SEND under the Minister for Skills, providing access to capital funding for specialist colleges, extending duties around transport support and reducing the teacher pay gap between schools and colleges.

Leicester's decision to end all post-16 SEND transport may reduce costs now, but it risks cutting off the support young people need to develop independence and move into employment. It also opens the door for other councils to follow suit, removing all post-16 transport support.