The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at overhauling the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, introducing a host of new terminology and frameworks designed to streamline support for children. The initiative, outlined by the Education Secretary, intends to ensure that children with SEND receive necessary assistance promptly and without undue obstacles.
Key Changes to Education Health and Care Plans
One of the most significant shifts involves the future of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). By 2035, only children with the most complex needs will be eligible for these legal documents, which are essential for outlining the support required for individual pupils. Historically, the percentage of pupils with EHCPs has nearly doubled from 2.8% in 2015 to 5.3% today, prompting concerns over the increasing demand on resources.
Under the new framework, children currently possessing an EHCP will retain it until they complete their current educational phase. Starting in September 2029, existing EHCPs will undergo reassessment, meaning that students now in Year 2 will be evaluated again by the time they reach Year 6. Although parents will still have the opportunity to apply for EHCPs through local authorities and can challenge decisions at tribunal, the government aims to manage growth in the number of EHCPs, aspiring to revert to current levels by 2035.
The Introduction of Individual Support Plans
In addition to EHCPs, the government is introducing Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all pupils with SEND, including those without an EHCP. These flexible documents will define a child’s needs, the support they are entitled to, and the expected outcomes. Unlike EHCPs, which provide legal entitlements, ISPs focus on day-to-day requirements.
Every child will have a legal right to an ISP, which educational institutions, including nurseries and colleges, will be responsible for developing in consultation with parents. These plans will be reviewed annually, ensuring that they remain relevant to the child’s evolving needs. If parents find any aspect of an ISP unsatisfactory, they will initially need to address their concerns through the school’s complaints process before escalating them to local authorities or the government.
New Support Layers and Inclusion Standards
The new SEND framework also introduces three distinct levels of support, alongside a universal offer for all children. The support available is categorised as “targeted,” “targeted plus,” and “specialist.”
– **Targeted Support** offers interventions such as small group assistance or reasonable adjustments—like providing coloured paper for children with dyslexia.
– **Targeted Plus Support** expands this by granting access to specialists, including speech and language therapists, as well as designated SEND spaces known as “inclusion bases” within schools.
– **Specialist Support** is reserved for children with the most complex needs. Those receiving this level of support will be given a personalised “specialist provision package,” crafted by a team of education, health, and care professionals. Only children with these packages will qualify for the new EHCPs, which are designed to provide a legal guarantee of necessary support.
The government envisions a system where children can transition between these support layers as their needs change. By 2028, a set of national inclusion standards will be established to clarify what families can expect from schools regarding support.
Why it Matters
The reform of the SEND system represents a crucial step towards more equitable and effective educational support for children with special needs in England. By clarifying eligibility and introducing streamlined processes, the government hopes to enhance accessibility to necessary resources, ultimately fostering a more inclusive educational environment. These changes not only aim to alleviate existing pressures on the system but also signify a commitment to prioritising the needs of some of society’s most vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive in their educational journeys.