Reform bosses are being urged to rethink proposals for Leicestershire's Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) service.

Leicestershire County Councillor Naomi Bottomley, who has experience working with SEND, said she was concerned by the ongoing dispute between the council and members of the National Education Union (NEU) within the Early Years SEND service.

The councillor said the dispute, which centres on plans to make teachers redundant before requiring them to reapply for their own roles – a practice commonly known as fire and rehire – is "potentially unfair" on staff.

Unions say the move would see local staff moved off teachers' terms and conditions, while the requirement for Qualified Teacher Status is removed too – something which adds to "uncertainty about future jobs and responsibilities" in the sector, supporters claim.

Cllr Bottomley's comments come after specialist teachers supporting young children with physical, sensory, behavioural and learning disabilities announced they were to go on strike this week over the row.

Writing on Saturday, June 6, Deborah Taylor, the Conservative leader of the opposition said she was aware members of the NEU had voted to take strike action.

She said: "We recognise the concerns raised by staff and their union, particularly regarding the removal of Qualified Teacher Status requirements and the possible impact on children with complex needs.

"Staff have consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining high levels of specialist knowledge, continuity of support and trusted relationships with families and education settings.

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"The proposals put forward by the council would introduce changes to roles, as well as terms and conditions of employment."

Acknowledging the council's intent to modernise the roles "and provide year-round support", the leader of the opposition said, however, "we understand why these proposals have created uncertainty and concern among staff."

She raised concerns about the five-day strike, taking place this week, saying it was expected to disrupt early years specialist provision across the county, "affecting support for some of Leicestershire's most vulnerable young children".

Both Deborah Taylor and Green party councillor Naomi Bottomley urged Reform-led Leicestershire County Council to "engage in meaningful discussions" with the union.

Naomi Bottomley said: "Early Years SEND professionals provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable children and families in our county. Their expertise and experience must be valued and protected.

"At a time when demand for SEND support is growing, we should be strengthening, not undermining, the specialist workforce that children rely on.

"I am calling on Leicestershire County Council to engage constructively with the NEU, to reassure staff that any new roles will be genuinely equivalent in level, pay and expectations, and to work towards a negotiated solution that safeguards both staff and the quality of support provided to children and families."

Responding to the announcement regarding the NEU strike action, Leicestershire County Council said it was disappointed staff are striking over changes which it claimed were designed to ensure children with additional needs receive the right support all year round.

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A spokesperson said: "This is about making sure our most vulnerable children and families receive consistent, year-round support. Modernising the service will ensure we can support children with additional needs to access wraparound and holiday care, which is not currently available, and we're following the correct, legal process required to do this. To be clear, this is not 'fire and rehire'.