What Happened
The UK government has announced significant reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, as outlined in the recently released Schools White Paper titled “Every Child Achieving and Thriving.” The Department for Education (DfE) expects to transition one in eight pupils from Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to new Individual Support Plans (ISPs) by 2035. This move aims to streamline support for children with less complex needs.
Why It Matters
The reforms propose a tiered framework of support, categorizing children into targeted and specialist support levels. Targeted support will be available in mainstream schools, while specialist support will cater to children with more complex needs. The government plans to ensure that support is in place before an EHCP is issued, reversing the current system where EHCPs are often granted after lengthy processes. This initiative is part of a broader £4 billion investment aimed at enhancing inclusivity in schools and addressing concerns raised by parents regarding the timeliness and adequacy of SEND support.
What’s Next
Following the release of the Schools White Paper, the government will conduct a review of existing EHCPs after September 2029. Parents and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the consultation process to understand the implications for appeal rights and enforceability of the new ISPs. The government claims that these reforms will lead to earlier help and a more consistent national system for SEND support.