Is the Special Education Support Overhaul Setting Up a Political Storm?

The UK government is poised to introduce extensive reforms to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, marking what could be the most significant shake-up in a generation. Key changes include reassessing children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) during their transition from primary to secondary school, starting in 2029. With around 639,000 individuals currently holding EHCPs in England, these reforms may alter how SEND support is delivered, potentially igniting political backlash as they seek to streamline costs and legal rights for all SEND children through Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Recent leaks regarding proposed changes to SEND support have sparked widespread concern and speculation ahead of the official announcement expected soon. The reforms aim to create a more streamlined system that reassesses EHCPs, which detail the specific support needs for children, as they transition through educational phases. The government plans to introduce ISPs for all children with SEND, which will grant some legal status to the support provided by schools. These changes are anticipated to reduce the number of children who retain EHCPs, particularly as costs rise and funding becomes increasingly scrutinised.

Key takeaways

Reassessments of EHCPs will begin in 2029 as children transition from primary to secondary education.
All children with SEND will have ISPs, potentially impacting an additional 1.28 million pupils.
New support will be categorised as Targeted, Targeted Plus, and Specialist, reflecting varying needs.

Timeline: how we got here

The context for these reforms began to take shape significantly over the past year, with escalating concerns about the SEND system's sustainability and effectiveness:

2022: Increasing awareness of SEND funding issues, leading to more parents seeking EHCPs.
Early 2023: The government commissioned reviews on SEND support and related costs.
October 2023: Leaked details of proposed reforms, indicating significant changes in SEND policy.
Expected November 2023: Full details of the proposals to be unveiled when Parliament reconvenes.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent leaks indicate that the government plans to overhaul the SEND support system, primarily through the introduction of ISPs for all SEND children and the reassessment of EHCPs during educational transitions. This represents a shift in approach aimed at addressing rising costs and improving outcomes for children.

What was already established

Historically, parents have faced significant challenges in obtaining EHCPs, often resorting to tribunals to secure necessary support. Previous discussions around SEND reforms have highlighted the need for clearer criteria and more equitable funding across local authorities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The proposed reforms could directly affect families with children who have SEND. As the government seeks to streamline costs, there are concerns that fewer children will qualify for EHCPs, which may lead to reduced support for some families. Many parents currently engaged in the lengthy EHCP application process may face additional challenges under the new system.

Businesses and jobs

Educational institutions will need to adapt to the new SEND support framework, which could lead to increased training needs for teachers and staff. The introduction of ISPs may also necessitate additional resources and personnel within schools, raising questions about how schools will manage these changes amid budget constraints.

Policy and regulation

As the government prepares to unveil these radical reforms, policymakers will need to address potential backlash from SEND advocates concerned about the implications for legal rights and support levels. The upcoming announcement will likely trigger discussions in Parliament, especially given the political sensitivities surrounding SEND issues.

Numbers that matter

482,000: The number of children currently with EHCPs in England.
639,000: Total number of individuals with EHCPs when accounting for those aged 25 and under and those not in school.
1.28 million: Estimated additional children who could be covered under proposed ISPs.
£60,000: The anticipated price cap on fees charged by independent sector schools for SEND provision.
£6 billion: The projected financial shortfall for SEND funding by 2028 without reform.

Definitions and jargon buster

Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP): A legal document that outlines the special educational needs of a child and the support they require.
Individual Support Plan (ISP): A proposed new framework for supporting all children with SEND, which will have some legal status.
Specialist Provision Packages: Tailored support plans designed for children with more complex needs, determined by an expert panel.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the government prepares to unveil the full details of the proposed reforms, parents and educational institutions should stay informed about the implications for SEND support and prepare for potential changes to existing plans.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the announcement, stakeholders may need to engage in consultations regarding the new system, providing feedback to ensure that the needs of children with SEND are adequately met.

Signals to watch

Official release of the full SEND reform plans by the government.
Parliamentary debates and discussions regarding the reforms.
Responses from SEND advocacy groups and parents regarding the proposed changes.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated with any communications from your child’s school regarding SEND support changes.
Engage with local SEND advocacy groups to understand your rights and potential impacts of the reforms.
Prepare for any reassessments or changes to your child's support needs as new policies are implemented.

Don’t

Do not hesitate to seek legal advice if you feel your child's needs are not being met under the new system.
Avoid assuming that existing EHCPs will automatically guarantee continued support.
Don’t ignore communications from educational authorities regarding the upcoming changes.

Checklist

Review your child’s current EHCP and support needs.
Familiarise yourself with the proposed new SEND support framework.
Identify local resources and support networks for SEND families.
Consider documenting your child’s educational journey to prepare for reassessments.
Stay engaged with your local education authority for updates on SEND policy changes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The proposed SEND reforms come with significant uncertainties, particularly regarding how the rights attached to ISPs will be defined and enforced. Concerns have been raised about the potential reduction in legal rights for children currently protected under EHCPs. Additionally, the government's plans to impose a price cap on independent schools may provoke resistance from those concerned about quality and availability of specialist education. Stakeholders should remain vigilant and prepared for ongoing discussions as these reforms are debated.

Bottom line

The expected reforms to the SEND support system represent a pivotal moment for special education in the UK. While the changes aim to streamline processes and reduce costs, they also raise critical questions about the adequacy of support for children with special needs. As the government prepares to release more detailed plans, families and educational institutions will need to navigate this evolving landscape carefully.

FAQs

What are the new proposals for SEND support in the UK?

The new proposals suggest a complete redesign of SEND support, introducing Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND and reassessing EHCPs as children transition between educational phases.

When will the new SEND support changes take effect?

The reassessment of EHCPs is expected to start in 2029, coinciding with key transitions from primary to secondary education.

How many children are currently affected by SEND in the UK?

Currently, around 639,000 individuals in England hold EHCPs, with additional children expected to be covered under the new Individual Support Plans.