The long-awaited overhaul of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support across schools in England is set to transform the lives of tens of thousands of children. A £4 billion investment over three years, touted as a "generational" change, promises to address decades-old challenges within the system. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has described it as an opportunity to shape the future of education, insisting that the changes represent "improved support, not removed support."
The substantial investment will deliver 60,000 additional special needs school places and integrate tailored specialist support within all mainstream schools. This comes after months of refinement following concerns from MPs and parents regarding the initial proposals. Ms Phillipson has led a major engagement effort to address issues, particularly around fears that the reforms might lead to cuts amid soaring service costs.
A key change involves stricter Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which will now be reserved for those with the most severe and complex needs. Additional funding for specialist support will still be provided for all children with special needs, but lower-tier EHCPs are set to confer different rights and support.
The reforms also reassign the role of local authorities, who face new obligations to meet their duties towards pupils with special needs. Councils that fail to comply risk losing powers to run SEND services, as government sources indicate that those issuing more than half of EHCPs outside the 20-week deadline could be stripped of their responsibilities.
Parental choice regarding which school a child with SEND attends will also change; parents will receive a list of suitable options rather than a free choice, though appeal mechanisms will remain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed the plans, drawing on his personal experience and advocating for tailored support built around individual needs.
The shake-up responds to record demand for special needs provision and growing distrust in a system where families often win SEND tribunal appeals. The Opposition is yet to issue a detailed response.