The latest government statistics reveal a troubling trend in the support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK, as the number of young people receiving assistance has reached a staggering new high. Between January 2025 and January 2026, there was a 12.5% increase in the issuance of education, health, and care plans (EHCPs), which are essential legal documents that outline the specific support these children are entitled to. With over 700,000 children now covered by EHCPs, this marks the largest annual rise since the plans were introduced more than ten years ago.
The Growing Demand for Support
According to a spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE), these figures underscore the significant challenges the government is facing. In response, they have committed £4 billion to enhance specialist support within mainstream schools. “We are building a system where every school can support every child to thrive, while ensuring those with the greatest needs get the specialist help they require,” the spokesperson stated.
Families can apply for EHCPs when their children need additional assistance beyond what is typically available in mainstream settings. In 2025 alone, over 110,000 new plans were issued, which include children and young people up to the age of 25. However, the timely issuance of these plans remains a concern; less than half were provided within the statutory timeframe of 20 weeks.
Transitioning to Mainstream Schools
The recent data also indicates a growing trend of children with EHCPs attending mainstream schools, with numbers increasing by over 15% compared to the previous year. This is a significant shift, as nearly half of all children with EHCPs are now integrated into mainstream education. However, this transition is not without its challenges.
One parent who is navigating this complex landscape is Karen Quinn, whose son, Adam, is on the autism spectrum and also has ADHD and dyslexia. As he prepares to start secondary school in September, Karen is determined to secure the appropriate support through the EHCP process. “I just want him to get the help that he needs to be the best that he can be,” she expresses, highlighting the urgency of her situation.
Despite submitting the necessary paperwork in February, the council only agreed to assess Adam’s needs in May, a delay that Karen fears could impact his transition to high school. “It’s not massive delays, but every delay is going to impact the transition,” she notes, reflecting the anxiety many parents feel as they seek timely support for their children.
Concerns and Future Reforms
This surge in demand for EHCPs coincides with the government’s plans to reform the SEND system, which were announced earlier this year. 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. This shift has raised alarm among families and advocacy groups, who fear that it might undermine the legal rights to necessary support.
Jolanta Lasota, the chief executive of the charity Ambitious About Autism, emphasised the crucial role that school environments play in a child’s development. However, she also expressed concerns about whether the proposed inclusion bases in mainstream schools will genuinely provide the support needed, or simply create more opportunities for exclusion.
Criticism of the government’s approach has also emerged from teaching unions. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT, pointed out the inadequacy of the guidance issued on inclusion without a clear response to the SEND consultation. He argued that the burden of adapting to these changes is being shifted onto already overworked teachers and schools.
Why it Matters
The rising numbers of children receiving SEND support reflect a growing awareness of the diverse needs within our education system. Yet, the challenges faced by families—such as delays in receiving necessary plans and the implications of impending reforms—underscore the urgent need for a more robust and responsive approach to education in the UK. As the landscape continues to evolve, it is vital that every child is afforded the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive environment, where their unique needs are met with understanding and compassion.