Labour Government Unveils Sweeping Reforms to Special Educational Needs System
The Government has just announced a massive overhaul of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, backed by billions in investment to address years-long delays for support that have left vulnerable pupils struggling. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged these decade-long reforms would deliver "a better education for every single child," drawing inspiration from his late brother Nick's challenges with learning difficulties.
Immediate Digital Support Plans and Expanded Teacher Training
Starting in September 2029, families will no longer face drawn-out assessment processes. Schools will instead provide immediate digital Individual Support Plans featuring three distinct levels of assistance: Targeted, Targeted Plus, and Specialist. Crucially, pupils will not require formal diagnoses to access essential services like speech therapy, small group provision, or curriculum modifications.
Every teacher across the country will receive mandatory training in SEND provision, ensuring all educators are equipped to support diverse learning needs. This initiative is part of a broader £3.7 billion investment that will establish 60,000 additional specialist places within mainstream schools. Each secondary school must create an inclusion base with appropriate lighting, acoustics, and breakout facilities to accommodate students with special needs.
Restructured Education, Health and Care Plans and Specialist Support
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will now be reserved exclusively for pupils with the most complex requirements. Current Year 2 children will be the first cohort to undergo support reassessment as they transition to secondary education. The reforms include £1.8 billion for an "experts at hand" programme that places specialists directly within schools, providing on-site support and reducing bureaucratic delays.
Enhanced Teacher Benefits and Private School Fee Caps
In a significant boost for educators, teachers will receive doubled maternity pay, increasing from four to eight weeks at full salary for the first time in 25 years. Additionally, independent special school fees, which average £63,000 annually, will be capped to prevent what the Government describes as "unjustified" charges. This measure aims to make specialized education more accessible and affordable for families.
These comprehensive reforms represent the most substantial transformation of the SEND system in decades, addressing long-standing issues of accessibility, support delays, and financial barriers. The Government emphasizes that these changes are designed to create a more inclusive and equitable education system for all children, regardless of their learning needs.
