SEND Reforms

What do the Government’s New Proposals mean?

Many parents know how much change is needed in the SEND system, and it’s completely understandable that there is also apprehension about what this could mean. I wanted to share a fuller explainer of the Government’s proposed reforms.

First, it’s important to be clear: this week’s announcement is a White Paper, with a 12-week consultation period. These proposals are not yet law, and I would really welcome hearing your views during this period. My email address is Fleur.Anderson.MP@parliament.uk

The plan, called Every Child Achieving and Thriving, sets out a decade-long overhaul of the SEND system in England. The aim is to move away from a high-conflict, legalistic system and towards a more proactive and inclusive approach that focuses on early intervention and supporting children within mainstream schools wherever possible.

Existing legal rights remain in place. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are not being removed during this period.

The Principles Behind the Reforms

The proposed reforms are built around five core principles to create a more consistent and sustainable system:

• Early: Intervening sooner to prevent needs from escalating.

• Local: Helping children learn in mainstream settings close to home where possible.

• Fair: Providing consistent, well-resourced support across schools.

• Effective: Using evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes.

• Shared: Ensuring education, health and care services work together.

Key Changes Proposed

A major proposal is the introduction of a new Individual Support Plan (ISP) for every child with SEND.

This would be a digital plan designed to give families a clear, documented and enforceable right to support, even if their child does not have an EHCP. ISPs would be used mainly in mainstream settings and would outline the day-to-day support a child receives. Both parents and teachers would be able to access them.

EHCPs are not being scrapped. They will remain for children with the most complex needs, though the proposal is for them to be digitised and made more consistent. The Government has pledged that no child will lose the support they need, and there will be strong transitional protections. Children currently in Year 3 or older would not move from an EHCP to an ISP unless families choose to do so.

More Support in Mainstream Schools

The reforms aim to move towards “one education system” rather than separate mainstream and specialist pathways.

A new programme called Experts at Hand, backed by £1.8 billion over three years, would provide schools with direct access to specialists such as educational psychologists and speech and language therapists. This is intended to reduce the need for a full EHCP simply to access expert support.

There are also plans for inclusion hubs — dedicated specialist spaces within mainstream secondary schools to provide targeted help.

Workforce and Training

A £200 million investment is proposed to provide mandatory SEND training for staff across early years settings, schools and colleges. The role of SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) would also be strengthened to help lead provision effectively.

Funding and Oversight

The Government is proposing a £7 billion increase in SEND funding by 2028-29 compared to 2025-26. It also intends to manage future cost pressures centrally from 2028/29, which could reduce financial strain on local councils.

The Children’s Commissioner would be given a new role in overseeing how these reforms are implemented.

What This Could Mean

For parents, the aim is to reduce the need for “battles” with the system by ensuring earlier, more consistent support closer to home.

For schools, it means greater responsibility — but also more training and resources to meet children’s needs.

What Happens Next?

While some improvements may come sooner, this is a long-term programme. Major changes to EHCPs are not expected before September 2030.

As this is still a consultation, your views really matter. Please do share your experiences and concerns so they can help shape the final system.