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As the government prepares to unveil its long-awaited Schools White Paper, parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are expressing deep concerns about potential cuts to vital support services. A recent survey conducted by disability charity Sense revealed that nearly half of the 1,000 SEND parents polled are anxious about the forthcoming reforms and the impact they may have on their children’s education and wellbeing.
Rising Anxiety Among Parents
The Sense survey highlights a troubling reality for many families navigating the complexities of the SEND system. Approximately 50% of the respondents conveyed a sense of dread regarding the impending changes, with 47% fearing that essential support could be diminished. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that over a third (35%) of parents have made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their jobs due to inadequate support for their children. Furthermore, 40% have had to reduce their working hours, showcasing the profound impact these challenges have on family life.
The anticipated Schools White Paper, set to be released early this year, aims to address these issues, particularly concerning Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). These legal agreements are crucial for ensuring that children with SEND receive the necessary support tailored to their needs. However, a rising number of EHCPs has led to increased costs for local authorities, prompting discussions around potential legislative changes that may restrict access to these plans only to the most severely affected cases. This prospect has left many parents feeling uneasy about their children’s future.
Personal Stories of Struggle
Among those affected is Kimberly Hind, mother to five-year-old Harvey, who is deaf-blind. Kimberly’s family faced a prolonged wait of over a year for Harvey’s EHCP, during which time he lost a spot at a special school and struggled to cope in a mainstream nursery ill-equipped to meet his needs. The situation became so distressing that Kimberly had to leave her job to focus entirely on caring for Harvey, relying solely on her husband’s income and her carer’s allowance.
Harvey finally began attending a special school in September 2025, but the emotional scars from the ordeal remain. “Generally, he has this fear and anxiety now of too many children,” Kimberly shared. “We are going one step at a time, and he’s starting to communicate better with his peers in his class, but I do think because he was so anxious and distressed at one time it’s just stuck with him.”
Her concerns extend beyond the current state of support; she is apprehensive about any changes that might alter the funding Harvey receives through his EHCP. “The ordeal we went through to get Harvey’s EHCP, which he was fully entitled to, was horrific for him and our whole family,” Kimberly lamented.
Government Promises and Future Uncertainty
Education Minister Georgia Gould has assured families that there will always be a legal right to additional support for young people with SEND. However, many remain sceptical, fearing that any reforms may lead to further erosion of their children’s rights. James Watson-O’Neill, Chief Executive of Sense, has expressed similar concerns, stating, “A shocking number of children are being failed by a baffling and underfunded SEND system. Too many are falling through the cracks – at the cost of their happiness, wellbeing and future life chances.”
The government has previously outlined plans to invest £200 million in training teachers to better support children with SEND, alongside a £3 billion funding initiative aimed at creating around 50,000 new school places. While these commitments are positive steps, they must be matched with a reliable system that parents can trust.
Why it Matters
The anxieties surrounding the SEND reforms resonate far beyond individual families; they reflect a broader societal concern about how we support our most vulnerable citizens. As the government prepares to announce significant changes, the voices of parents like Kimberly Hind must be heard. The stakes are high, and the potential consequences of inadequate support could be devastating for countless children and their families. Addressing these concerns is not just about policy; it’s about safeguarding the futures of children who deserve the best opportunities to thrive.
