Recent government statistics have revealed a significant surge in the number of children accessing support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with figures reaching an unprecedented high. Between January 2025 and January 2026, there was a 12.5% increase in children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking the most substantial year-on-year growth since the introduction of these plans over ten years ago. The total now exceeds 700,000, underscoring the pressing challenges the current educational system faces.
Surge in EHCP Applications
The Department for Education (DfE) has reported that more than 110,000 new EHCPs were issued throughout 2025. These legal documents ensure that children who require additional support beyond what mainstream schools can typically provide receive the necessary assistance. Despite the rise in support, concerns remain about the timeliness and effectiveness of the assessment process, with fewer than half of the plans being issued within the statutory 20-week timeframe.
The number of children with EHCPs attending mainstream schools has also seen a remarkable increase, rising by over 15% compared to the previous year. Almost half of all children with EHCPs are now integrated into mainstream educational settings. This shift coincides with the government’s recent announcement of plans to reform the SEND system, aiming to enhance inclusivity within mainstream schools.
Personal Stories Highlight Systemic Challenges
The experience of families navigating the EHCP process underscores the urgency for reform. Karen Quinn, a mother of an 11-year-old boy named Adam, is currently seeking an EHCP for her son, who is autistic and has ADHD and dyslexia. Karen has expressed her frustration at the delays in obtaining the necessary support, which she fears will hinder Adam’s transition to secondary school. “Every delay impacts the transition to high school,” she stated, emphasising her desire for her son to receive the assistance he needs to thrive.
Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for children, families, and lifelong learning, acknowledged the challenges families face. She encouraged parents with concerns to reach out for direct support and advice, stressing that EHCP assessments follow national legislation and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Future of SEND Support Under Government Reforms
The government’s proposals for SEND reform, announced in the spring, aim to alter eligibility criteria for EHCPs by 2030. Under the new framework, individual support plans (ISPs) will replace EHCPs for most children with SEND, reserving EHCPs for those with the most complex needs. This change has raised alarms among families and advocates, who fear that it may diminish legal rights to essential support. However, the government has reassured stakeholders that these reforms will not undermine access to necessary assistance.
Additionally, new guidance has been issued to establish inclusion bases within mainstream schools. These dedicated spaces are designed to offer targeted teaching and specialist support, addressing the inconsistent provision that has left many children feeling excluded. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has articulated her vision for a system where all young people can attend their local schools alongside their peers and receive high-quality education, regardless of their needs.
Concerns from Advocacy Groups and Educators
Despite the government’s optimistic portrayal of the reforms, there are significant concerns from various stakeholders. Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of the charity Ambitious About Autism, highlighted the critical role that the school environment plays in a child’s ability to learn and achieve. However, she noted that many children remain apprehensive about whether inclusion bases will genuinely support them or merely serve as a means of segregation.
Criticism has also been voiced by education unions, with NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack condemning the government’s approach to inclusion. He argued that schools and teachers are being burdened with the responsibility of implementing these changes without clear guidelines on what constitutes an inclusive educational environment.
In response, the DfE has acknowledged that the SEND system is under significant strain and has committed to investing £4 billion to provide training for teachers and resources to better support children with SEND. This investment aims to ensure that schools are equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students proactively.
Why it Matters
The record increase in children receiving special educational support highlights a critical moment for the educational landscape in the UK. As the government grapples with an overwhelmed SEND system, the proposed reforms will shape the future of educational accessibility and inclusivity. For families navigating these challenges, the outcome of these changes will determine not only the quality of education their children receive but also their fundamental rights to necessary support within the school system. The stakes are high, and the need for a responsive, effective educational framework has never been clearer.
