The UK government has unveiled significant reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, aiming to ensure that only children with the most complex needs will qualify for education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) by 2035. In a move that could alter the landscape of educational support, existing EHCPs will remain in place for current recipients until at least September 2029, when reassessments will begin at key educational milestones.
Key Changes to EHCP Eligibility
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised that the planned reforms are intended to foster inclusivity within mainstream schools, ultimately enhancing life opportunities for children with SEND. Under the new framework, children already benefiting from EHCPs will retain their plans until they transition out of their current phase of education. Starting in September 2029, these pupils will undergo a reassessment process tied to the completion of primary school and the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams.
The government’s announcement forms part of a broader Schools White Paper, which outlines legislative plans to revamp educational structures. Significant funding of £4 billion has been allocated over the next three years to bolster mainstream school support for children with SEND. This package includes £1.6 billion designated for schools, early years settings, and colleges, alongside £1.8 billion aimed at increasing access to specialist services, such as speech and language therapists.
Individual Support Plans to Replace EHCPs
In place of EHCPs, a new document known as an Individual Support Plan (ISP) will be introduced for all pupils with SEND. These plans will be developed collaboratively by schools and parents, detailing the child’s specific needs and the support required. The ISP will categorise students into three tiers of support: “targeted”, “targeted plus”, and “specialist”. Only those receiving specialist support will be eligible for EHCPs under the reformed system.
During the announcement at a school in Peterborough, Phillipson stated that the new system aims to alleviate the prolonged struggles parents face in securing necessary support for their children. She asserted that the reforms would shift students with SEND from being sidelined to being actively included in the educational experience.
Broader Educational Reforms and Concerns
The Schools White Paper also addresses various pressing issues within the education sector, including the recruitment and retention of teachers. Proposed measures include enhanced maternity pay and financial incentives for headteachers. Furthermore, the document outlines a new attendance target designed to achieve the fastest improvement in a decade, alongside initiatives aimed at benefiting disadvantaged groups, particularly in the North East and coastal regions.
However, the reforms do not come without their challenges. The Office for Budget Responsibility has projected a growing disparity between the funding allocated for SEND and actual expenditure, predicting a £6 billion gap by the 2028-2029 academic year. Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has cautioned that the government’s immediate strategy, which aims to enhance SEND provisions while maintaining existing EHCPs, could lead to financial strain.
Critics from various political and educational backgrounds have expressed concerns regarding the clarity and sufficiency of the proposed changes. Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education secretary, highlighted the lack of detailed information on support tiers and qualification criteria. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats’ education spokesperson Munira Wilson acknowledged the government’s efforts but warned that the effectiveness of the reforms will hinge on the specifics of their implementation.
Funding and Teacher Support
Despite the government’s commitment to reforming the SEND system, teaching unions have voiced apprehensions regarding the adequacy of the currently allocated funding. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, described the financial support as insufficient, while NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack remarked that the funding is merely a “drop in the bucket”. Paul Whiteman from the National Association of Head Teachers stressed that the success of these reforms will depend heavily on the availability of support services, while Pepe Di’Iasio from the Association of School and College Leaders noted the importance of considering teachers’ workloads in the rollout of these changes.
Why it Matters
The proposed overhaul of the SEND system in England represents a critical shift in educational policy that could fundamentally reshape how children with special needs are supported in mainstream schools. By introducing new individual support plans and limiting EHCP eligibility, the government seeks to create a more equitable and inclusive educational environment. However, the success of these reforms will largely depend on adequate funding and clear implementation guidelines, as stakeholders across the education sector call for a comprehensive approach to ensure that all children receive the support they need to thrive.