In a significant move aimed at reforming the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework in England, the government has unveiled a series of changes designed to streamline support for children. The new proposals introduce various terminology and structures, including the introduction of individual support plans (ISPs) alongside the existing education, health and care plans (EHCPs). Education Secretary Gillian Keegan asserts that the goal is to ensure children receive necessary assistance “when they need it, as routine and without a fight.”
Key Changes to EHCPs
One of the most notable reforms is the future eligibility criteria for EHCPs, which will undergo a transformation by 2035. Under the new guidelines, only children with the most complex needs will qualify for these legal documents that delineate the specific support required for each pupil. Local authorities will maintain their responsibility for ensuring that these plans are implemented effectively.
Historically, the percentage of pupils with EHCPs was stable at approximately 2.8% until 2015. However, this figure has seen a staggering increase, nearly doubling to 5.3% in recent years. The government has expressed concern that without intervention, demand for EHCPs will continue to rise, making it increasingly challenging to meet the needs of all children. Existing EHCPs will remain valid until the completion of a child’s current educational phase, with reassessments commencing in September 2029. Notably, children currently in Year 2 will undergo reassessment as they progress to Year 6.
Parents will still have the option to apply for EHCPs through local authorities and will retain the right to challenge decisions regarding their child’s support in tribunal settings. While the proportion of children receiving EHCPs is projected to grow during the transition period, the government aims to slow this trend, ultimately returning to current levels by 2035.
Introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
Alongside the changes to EHCPs, the government introduces ISPs, which will be available to all pupils with SEND, including those who may not qualify for EHCPs. These plans will outline a child’s specific needs, the support they should receive, and the goals intended to be achieved through this support. Unlike EHCPs, which provide a legal right to assistance, ISPs are designed to be flexible, focusing on day-to-day needs.
Every child with an EHCP will also possess an ISP that details how the support outlined in their EHCP will be delivered. Schools, nurseries, and colleges will be responsible for consulting with parents to draft these plans, which must be reviewed at least annually. If parents are dissatisfied with the contents of an ISP, they will first need to navigate the school complaints process before escalating the matter to local authorities or government bodies.
New Support Framework Levels
In addition to the introduction of ISPs, the government has established three distinct layers of support for children with SEND, in conjunction with a “universal offer” for all students. The support tiers include “targeted,” “targeted plus,” and “specialist” support, each varying in the level of assistance provided.
“Targeted” support may involve small group interventions and reasonable adjustments, such as providing specialised materials like coloured paper or assistive technology for children with dyslexia. “Targeted plus” support will grant access to specialists, including speech and language therapists and educational psychologists, along with dedicated SEND spaces known as “inclusion bases” within schools.
The most intensive “specialist support” is reserved for children with the highest level of need. Under this category, a “specialist provision package” will be developed by a team of education, health, and care professionals, outlining tailored requirements. Only children with these packages will be eligible for new EHCPs, which will be legally binding and based on the stipulations set forth in the specialist support documents.
The government also aims to facilitate transitions between the three tiers of support as children’s needs evolve. By 2028, “national inclusion standards” are expected to be established, ensuring that schools provide a consistent level of support for children and their families.
Why it Matters
This overhaul of the SEND system represents a crucial step towards more equitable educational support for children with varying needs. By refining eligibility criteria and introducing ISPs, the government aims to create a more structured and efficient framework that can adapt to the individual requirements of each child. The proposed changes signal a commitment to ensuring that all children receive the support they need, while also addressing the escalating demand for such services. As these reforms unfold, the implications for families, educators, and local authorities are profound, potentially reshaping the landscape of educational support in England for years to come.
