The English government has outlined a significant reform of its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework, limiting eligibility for education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) to only those children with the most complex needs by the year 2035. This announcement, part of the broader Schools White Paper, aims to foster greater inclusivity within mainstream schools and improve outcomes for children with SEND.
Details of the New System
Under the proposed changes, existing EHCPs will remain valid for current recipients until at least September 2029. At that point, students will undergo reassessments aligned with their transition points, such as the conclusion of primary education or when they complete their GCSEs. For instance, students currently in Year 2 will be reassessed as they reach Year 6.
The new framework will introduce a fresh document known as an individual support plan (ISP) for all pupils with SEND. This plan will be developed collaboratively by schools and parents, detailing the specific needs of each child and the support required. Based on the ISP, students will be classified into one of three tiers of support: “targeted,” “targeted plus,” or “specialist.” Only those qualifying for specialist support will have access to an EHCP.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised that these reforms aim to alleviate the long-standing struggles parents have faced in securing adequate support for their children. She stated that the initiative seeks to elevate children from being sidelined to being included and heard within the education system.
Funding and Resources
The government has earmarked £4 billion over the next three years to enhance the inclusivity of mainstream schools for children with SEND. This funding includes £1.6 billion allocated directly to educational institutions, early years settings, and colleges, alongside £1.8 billion aimed at increasing access to specialist resources, such as trained teachers and speech and language therapists.
However, concerns have been raised about whether this financial commitment is sufficient. The National Education Union has cautioned against imposing additional expectations on schools without corresponding funding, arguing that the current financial provisions fall short of what is necessary.
Financial experts, such as Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, have indicated that while the government is attempting to build SEND capacity within mainstream schools, they must also address the existing financial pressures of the current EHCP system, which is projected to face a £6 billion funding gap by 2028-2029.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Responses from various stakeholders highlight a mix of cautious optimism and concern regarding the proposed changes. Laura Trott, the Conservative shadow education secretary, has called for greater clarity on how the government intends to address the looming £6 billion deficit and ensure that parents understand the new eligibility criteria and the support available to their children.
Liberal Democrats education spokeswoman Munira Wilson acknowledged the government’s initiative as a step in the right direction but emphasised the importance of clarity in the implementation details. Teaching unions have generally welcomed the reforms but stress that they will require adequate funding to be effective. Leaders from the National Education Union and NASUWT have both expressed concerns that the financial support announced is insufficient to meet the needs of schools and students.
Implications for Education
The forthcoming changes to the SEND system are poised to have profound implications for children with special educational needs in England. If effectively implemented, the reforms could lead to a more inclusive educational environment that better supports the unique challenges faced by these pupils.
However, the success of these reforms hinges on the government’s ability to provide adequate funding and resources, as well as a clear framework that outlines the support structure for students. Without these critical components, the ambitious goals set forth in the Schools White Paper may prove difficult to realise.
Why it Matters
This overhaul of the SEND system arrives at a crucial time when the demand for tailored educational support is rising. As the government seeks to transform mainstream schools into inclusive spaces, it must navigate the complexities of funding and resource allocation while addressing the immediate needs of students and families. The effectiveness of these reforms will ultimately determine not just the educational outcomes for children with SEND but also the broader societal perception of inclusivity in education.
