The UK government's overhaul of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system is set to shake up the way thousands of children with complex needs are supported. For many young people, the changes will bring uncertainty about their future education and care arrangements.
Under the new system, pupils already in special schools provided or funded by local authorities can stay put until they finish their education – a reassurance for around 12-year-olds attending independent special schools. However, those with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) in mainstream secondary schools from 2030 onwards face an uncertain future.
The changes are designed to simplify the process of identifying and supporting children who need extra help. One possible outcome is that pupils requiring specialist provision packages will be issued new-style EHCPs, forcing them to either attend a special school or a specialist unit within their mainstream school.
Others may transition to an individual support plan (ISP), which can include access to speech and language therapy or other targeted help. The revised system also aims to provide more support for children who currently don't qualify for EHCPs but need some targeted assistance – giving them a statutory right to be assessed for an ISP.