The latest government statistics reveal a staggering rise in the number of children receiving support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), marking the highest annual increase since the introduction of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) over ten years ago. Between January 2025 and January 2026, there was a 12.5% jump in children with EHCPs, pushing the total number to over 700,000. This surge has ignited discussions about the adequacy of current support systems and the urgent need for reform.
A Growing Demand for Support
The figures indicate a growing recognition of the need for tailored educational support for children with SEND. A representative from the Department for Education (DfE) acknowledged the challenges that the government faces in addressing this increase, stating that they are committing £4 billion to enhance specialist support within mainstream schools. “We’re building a system where every school can support every child to thrive,” they explained, emphasising the importance of ensuring that those with the most significant needs receive adequate assistance.
Families can apply for an EHCP when their children require more support than mainstream schools typically provide. In the calendar year of 2025, over 110,000 new plans were issued, which encompass all children and young adults up to the age of 25. However, the timely processing of these plans remains a concern, with fewer than half issued within the statutory timeline of 20 weeks.
Individual Stories Amidst the Statistics
Karen Quinn’s journey highlights the challenges many families face as they navigate the EHCP process. Her son Adam, who is 11 years old and diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, is due to transition to secondary school in September. Karen is striving to secure an EHCP before this critical change, believing that the right support could significantly influence Adam’s school experience.
After submitting the necessary paperwork in February, she expressed frustration at the delays in assessment. Although the council agreed to evaluate Adam in May, Karen fears that the EHCP will not be finalised in time for his school transition. “Every delay is going to impact the transition to high school,” she said, underscoring the emotional toll these processes take on families. “I just want him to get the help that he needs to be the best that he can be.”
Future Reforms and Their Implications
In light of the rising numbers, the government has announced plans to reform the SEND system, with a focus on making mainstream schools more inclusive. Starting in 2030, fewer children will qualify for EHCPs, with all children with SEND—currently numbering over 1.8 million—receiving individual support plans (ISPs) instead. While the government insists that this will not diminish legal rights to support, families and advocacy groups have voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of such changes.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has spoken about the need for every young person to attend their local school alongside their peers, advocating for high-quality educational provision for SEND pupils. However, critics argue that the government is passing responsibility onto already stretched schools and teachers without providing clear guidance on what an inclusive education should entail.
Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of the Ambitious About Autism charity, acknowledged the critical role of the school environment in shaping a young person’s educational experience. While she welcomes the focus on inclusion, she also noted that many children feel uncertain about the new inclusion bases being proposed, fearing that these spaces might serve to segregate rather than integrate.
The Challenge Ahead
As the call for reform intensifies, the DfE has recognised the SEND system’s strain, pledging to equip teachers with the necessary training and resources to meet diverse needs more effectively. Yet, as families like Karen’s navigate these complex systems, the question remains: will the reforms truly create a more inclusive educational landscape?
Why it Matters
The increasing numbers of children requiring SEND support highlight a pressing societal issue that cannot be ignored. These figures reflect not only the challenges within our education system but also the emotional and practical hurdles faced by families striving for equitable access to education. As reforms loom on the horizon, it is crucial that the needs of these children are prioritised, ensuring they receive the support necessary for them to thrive in an inclusive environment. The stakes are high, as the outcomes of these policies will shape the educational experiences of countless young people in the years to come.
