The British government has announced a significant overhaul of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, which will reshape how support is provided to children with complex needs. By 2035, only those with the most severe requirements will qualify for education, health and care plans (EHCPs). Meanwhile, existing plan holders will retain their entitlements until at least September 2029, when their support needs will begin being reassessed.
Changes to Education, Health and Care Plans
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson heralded the reforms as a pathway to increased inclusivity in mainstream schools, asserting that the new framework aims to enhance life prospects for children with SEND. “We are committed to taking children with SEND from sidelined and excluded to seen, heard, and included,” she stated during a press briefing at a school in Peterborough.
Under the new regulations, all current EHCP holders will continue to receive support until they complete their current educational phase. Starting in 2029, annual assessments will be introduced for children transitioning from primary school to secondary education. For instance, pupils now in Year 2 will be reassessed when they reach Year 6.
The government aims to implement a new individual support plan (ISP) for all SEND pupils, which will be developed collaboratively by schools and parents. This document will detail the child’s specific needs and the necessary support measures. Students will then be categorised into three distinct tiers of assistance: “targeted,” “targeted plus,” and “specialist,” with only those receiving specialist support being eligible for EHCPs.
Funding and Resource Allocation
The government plans to allocate £4 billion over the next three years to facilitate these reforms, with £1.6 billion earmarked for schools, early years settings, and colleges. An additional £1.8 billion will focus on increasing access to specialists, such as speech and language therapists and expert educators. However, this funding has drawn skepticism from educational unions, which are concerned that current provisions are insufficient to meet rising demands.
The National Education Union has voiced concerns that the government must not impose further expectations on schools without providing adequate resources. The union emphasised that the financial support currently announced does not address existing shortfalls.
Challenges Ahead
The looming question is how the government will manage the increasing demand for EHCPs while also addressing the rising costs of a system described as “broken” by the National Audit Office. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the gap between the funding allocated to councils for SEND and their actual expenditures is projected to reach £6 billion by the 2028-2029 financial year.
Experts like Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies have raised alarms about the financial implications of the proposed transition to the new system. He cautioned that while the government is building capacity for the new framework, it must simultaneously address the urgent financial pressures of the existing system.
Concerns have also been echoed by the Conservative shadow education secretary, Laura Trott, who highlighted the need for clarity regarding how the government plans to bridge the funding gap. She pointed out that while the White Paper outlines various principles and support tiers, it fails to provide a straightforward explanation of eligibility criteria, expected outcomes, and the associated funding pathways.
Responses from Educational Leaders
While the proposed reforms have been welcomed as a step in the right direction, various educational leaders stress that adequate funding is crucial for success. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, stated that the current funding is “not enough,” while Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT, described it as “barely a drop in the bucket.”
Paul Whiteman, of the National Association of Head Teachers, underscored the importance of accessible support services, while Pepe Di’ Iasio from the Association of School and College Leaders urged the government to consider the impact of these changes on teachers’ workloads.
Why it Matters
The impending reforms to the SEND system are poised to transform the educational landscape for countless children across England. By focusing on inclusivity and tailored support, the government aims to enhance educational outcomes for children with special needs. However, the success of these ambitious plans will hinge on the adequacy of funding and resources allocated to schools, as well as the clarity of the new framework. As parents and educators await further details, the future of inclusive education hangs in the balance.
