Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has announced comprehensive plans to reform special educational needs (SEND) provision across England. The proposed overhaul seeks to reduce the system's reliance on local authorities, many of which are facing severe financial constraints, by giving schools a greater role in supporting children with special educational needs.
A core component of these long-awaited proposals is the projection that hundreds of thousands fewer children in England will receive Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) by the year 2035. EHCPs are legally binding documents outlining the educational, health, and social care needs of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, and the support required to meet those needs.
The current SEND system has been under considerable strain, with a significant increase in the number of EHCPs issued and the associated costs. Local councils have reported escalating deficits in their high needs budgets, often struggling to meet the demand for specialised provision. This financial pressure has been a major driver behind the government's push for reform.
Under the new proposals, schools are expected to take on more responsibility for identifying and supporting children with special educational needs at an earlier stage, potentially reducing the need for formal EHCPs. The government's vision is to create a more inclusive system where support is embedded within mainstream education, rather than being solely dependent on formal plans and external provision.
Critics and advocates for children with special educational needs will be scrutinising the details of these plans closely, particularly how the shift in responsibility will be funded and resourced within schools. Concerns may also be raised about ensuring that children with complex needs do not miss out on vital support if the threshold for receiving an EHCP is effectively raised.
The announcement marks a significant moment for SEND provision in England, signalling a departure from the current system which many stakeholders agree is unsustainable in its present form. The coming years will reveal the full impact of these changes on children, families, schools, and local authorities.
Source: Bridget Phillipson announcement