What Are the Key Changes to Special Educational Needs?

The UK government has unveiled significant reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, introducing new terms and structures to streamline support for children. Central to these changes are the education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and the newly proposed individual support plans (ISPs). The reforms aim to ensure that children with SEND receive timely and appropriate support, with a focus on those with the most complex needs qualifying for EHCPs by 2035.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The government's recent announcement marks a pivotal shift in how children with special educational needs and disabilities are supported in England. The changes are designed to alleviate the growing pressure on local authorities to meet rising demand for EHCPs, which have increased from 2.8% to 5.3% of pupils since 2015. The new framework aims to ensure that support is accessible and effective, while also reducing the burden on local resources.

Key takeaways

By 2035, only children with the most complex needs will qualify for EHCPs.
New individual support plans (ISPs) will be introduced for all children with SEND.
Three layers of support—targeted, targeted plus, and specialist—will be established.
National inclusion standards are expected to be implemented by 2028.
Parents will have the right to challenge decisions regarding their child's support.

Timeline: how we got here

The evolution of the SEND system has been ongoing, but the new reforms represent a clear roadmap for the future. Below is a brief timeline of key events leading up to the current proposals:

2015: The introduction of EHCPs saw a rise in the number of pupils receiving additional support.
2023: The government publishes plans to reform the SEND system, highlighting the need for a new framework.
2028: National inclusion standards are expected to be in place.
2035: The target year for the reform where only the most complex needs will qualify for EHCPs.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent changes propose the introduction of ISPs alongside existing EHCPs, creating a dual framework for support. This aims to provide more tailored, flexible support for children with SEND, ensuring that their needs are met on a day-to-day basis.

What was already established

Before these reforms, EHCPs were the primary legal documents outlining the support children with SEND should receive. The proportion of pupils with EHCPs has been steadily increasing, prompting the need for a more sustainable approach to managing educational support.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The reforms are likely to affect many families who rely on SEND support. Parents will need to understand the new terminology and processes to navigate the system effectively. The anticipated changes aim to make support more accessible, reducing the stress and complexity of securing appropriate aid for their children.

Businesses and jobs

Educational institutions will need to adapt to the new framework, which may require additional training for staff to implement ISPs and understand the varying levels of support. This could also mean hiring more specialists, impacting local job markets.

Policy and regulation

The reforms will involve collaboration between local authorities, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure effective implementation. Upcoming consultations and discussions will shape how these policies are rolled out across England.

Numbers that matter

5.3%: Current proportion of pupils with EHCPs in schools.
2.8%: Proportion of pupils with EHCPs before 2015.
2035: Target year for limiting EHCP eligibility to only the most complex needs.
2028: Year by which national inclusion standards are expected to be implemented.
1 year: Minimum frequency for reviewing ISPs.

Definitions and jargon buster

EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan): A legal document outlining the support a child with SEND is entitled to receive.
ISP (Individual Support Plan): A flexible plan detailing the daily support needs of a child with SEND.
Targeted Support: General assistance for children that may include adjustments in the classroom.
Targeted Plus Support: Enhanced support including access to specialists.
Specialist Support: In-depth assistance for children with more complex needs, involving a dedicated package of care.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, parents and educators should familiarise themselves with the new terminology and frameworks introduced in the reforms. Schools may provide resources to help explain these changes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the reforms are rolled out, monitoring how schools implement ISPs and support structures will be essential. Parents should engage in discussions with educators to ensure their child's needs are being met effectively.

Signals to watch

Rollout of national inclusion standards by 2028.
Changes in the number of EHCP applications and approvals.
Feedback from parents regarding the effectiveness of ISPs.
Training and resources provided to teachers and support staff.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the new SEND reforms and terminology.
Engage with your child’s school to discuss ISP development.
Utilise available resources for understanding rights and processes.

Don’t

Ignore the importance of ISPs; they are crucial for daily support.
Assume that existing EHCPs will remain unchanged indefinitely.
Hesitate to raise concerns with schools if you feel support is inadequate.

Checklist

Review your child's current EHCP and understand its provisions.
Learn about ISPs and how they will affect your child’s support.
Prepare questions for your child's educational setting regarding the upcoming changes.
Monitor communications from local authorities regarding the rollout of reforms.
Assess your child’s needs regularly to ensure they are met effectively.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposed reforms aim to improve the SEND system, there are inherent uncertainties regarding their implementation. The effectiveness of ISPs and the transition to the new support layers will depend heavily on local authority resources and training. Additionally, the process for reassessing children currently on EHCPs could lead to inconsistencies and confusion among families. It's crucial to remain cautious as these changes unfold and to advocate for clear communication from schools and local authorities.

Bottom line

The proposed reforms to the SEND system in England herald a significant shift in how support is structured and delivered to children with special educational needs. While the intention is to create a more accessible and efficient system, parents, educators, and policymakers will need to navigate these changes carefully to ensure that all children receive the support they need. Understanding ISPs, the new layers of support, and the implications of these reforms will be essential for all stakeholders involved.

FAQs

What is an ISP?

An Individual Support Plan (ISP) is a new document that will outline the daily support needs of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive appropriate help at school.

How will the changes affect children currently on EHCPs?

Children with existing EHCPs will keep their plans until they complete their current phase of education, at which point their needs will be reassessed under the new framework.

When will national inclusion standards be implemented?

The government aims to have national inclusion standards in place by 2028, setting clear expectations for the support families should receive from schools.