The UK government is set to enhance rather than diminish support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it embarks on significant reforms to the education system. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson assured parents that funding for SEND would increase, countering fears that the proposed changes could lead to reduced support for vulnerable pupils.
Reassessments and New Support Plans
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson emphasised that the government will implement a comprehensive review of children’s needs as they transition from primary to secondary education, a move that has raised eyebrows among parents and advocates. The details of these reforms will be unveiled in a much-anticipated White Paper, scheduled for release on Monday.
According to leaked reports, the reforms will introduce a system where children currently holding education, health and care plans (EHCPs)—legal documents specifying their support entitlements—will undergo reassessments after primary school starting in 2029. This new approach will be accompanied by Individual Support Plans (ISPs) that will extend legal rights to all children with SEND, ensuring that every child, regardless of whether they have an EHCP, will have a tailored plan developed by their school.
Phillipson reassured the public that “EHCPs will have an important role to play in the new system,” stating that the intention is to provide support more quickly and effectively. “Parents won’t have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP,” she added, highlighting the goal of easing the current adversarial system.
Concerns from the Opposition
Despite the government’s assurances, concerns have emerged from the opposition. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed apprehension regarding the reassessment process, suggesting that it could create additional anxiety for parents already struggling to secure necessary support for their children. Trott voiced her opposition to any potential withdrawal of existing support, stating, “We oppose any support being withdrawn.”
The fears are echoed by parents like Hannah Luxford, whose son has faced challenges with anxiety. Luxford shared her own struggles, noting that it took her 18 months to secure an EHCP for her son. She described the current system as “unhelpful” and “complex,” and expressed her desire for assurances that existing rights would remain intact under the new reforms.
Financial Pressures and Future Directions
The reforms come as the government grapples with the escalating costs of the SEND system, which is widely regarded as being in crisis. Starting in 2028, the government plans to assume financial responsibility for SEND costs currently borne by local councils, a shift projected to create a £6 billion strain on resources.
Analysts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have outlined three potential strategies for mitigating this fiscal pressure: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to curb SEND expenditure growth, or enacting cuts. Luke Sibieta from the IFS noted the challenges facing the current system, which is marked by rising EHCP numbers without corresponding improvements in the quality of support for children.
In tandem with SEND reforms, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this Parliament complete secondary school. This initiative will involve restructuring how schools allocate funding to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why it Matters
The impending changes to the SEND system represent a critical juncture for vulnerable children and their families. While the government promises increased support, the efficacy of these reforms hinges on their implementation and the assurance that existing rights will be preserved. As the education landscape evolves, the stakes are high for families navigating a system that has long been fraught with challenges. The outcome of these reforms could significantly impact the educational trajectories of countless children with SEND across the UK, highlighting the need for careful oversight and genuine engagement with affected communities.
