The future of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England is set to change dramatically, with a controversial overhaul that could impact hundreds of thousands of children. But here's where it gets controversial: The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has announced plans to significantly reduce the number of children receiving Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) by 2035, sparking debates about the balance between support and accessibility.
The current system, in place since 2014, has seen a rapid increase in EHCPs, from 240,000 to 640,000 children. This surge has created a multibillion-pound funding gap for local authorities, prompting the government to take action. And this is the part most people miss: The proposed changes aim to address this issue by limiting EHCPs to children with the most severe and complex needs, such as lifelong learning disabilities, severe behavioral problems, or physical disabilities.
Instead, millions of children will receive new Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which will be agreed upon with schools. These plans could include access to psychologists, therapists, and 'inclusion bases' within schools, providing a broader support network. However, the right to appeal against these plans will start with schools, raising concerns about the effectiveness of parental challenges.
The government's modeling predicts a significant drop in the proportion of pupils with EHCPs, from over 5% to under 5% by 2034-35, which would mean a reduction of 270,000 children. This change is designed to prevent parents from battling financially strained local authorities to secure support for their children. But will it work?
Phillipson emphasizes the need for a more targeted approach, stating, 'The SEND system designed for a small number of children a decade ago is now broken.' She believes these changes will ensure that 'every child will get the brilliant support they deserve, when they need it, as routine and without a fight.'
However, the plans have not been without controversy. Labour insiders suggest the changes could spark a rebellion among backbench MPs, and parent groups have expressed concerns about the restrictions on EHCPs. The government has committed an extra £4 billion to the new system, but officials acknowledge that local authorities may still face significant financial challenges by 2028-29.
The proposed changes will be subject to consultation before the government introduces legislation in the next parliamentary session, which begins in May. The first assessments under the new system are set to begin in 2029, marking a significant shift in how SEND support is delivered in England. What do you think? Will these changes effectively address the funding gap and improve support for children with special educational needs, or could they lead to further challenges for parents and local authorities?
