England's Special Needs Education Overhaul: Schools to Control Support Budgets
In a major shift aimed at addressing systemic failures, the UK government has unveiled plans to overhaul special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision in England. Under the reforms, mainstream schools will receive commissioning budgets to directly fund therapists and additional support for children with special needs, rather than relying on cash-strapped local authorities. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the measures on Monday, targeting deep-rooted issues that have left hundreds of thousands of children with inadequate support and pushed several councils toward bankruptcy.
New System to Curb Spiraling Costs and Improve Access
The overhaul is designed to fix what critics describe as lop-sided funding mechanisms that often force families into protracted battles with local authorities for essential help. By empowering schools with budgets, the government aims to make support "ordinarily available" to all pupils, reducing bureaucratic delays. Children will be eligible for individual support plans (ISPs), which provide enhanced legal rights without requiring a full educational, health and care plan (EHCP). Schools must also make "reasonable adjustments" for conditions like autism, ADHD, or mental health issues, or face potential legal action through an independent ombudsman or updated equalities rules.
Political Concerns and Protections for Existing Plans
Despite the intended benefits, the reforms have sparked anxiety among parents and Labour MPs. Key concerns focus on proposals to test children with EHCPs against tougher criteria when transitioning to secondary school after 2030, and ensuring legal appeal rights if schools fail to meet needs. Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury select committee, emphasized that trust is crucial, warning that parents may fear support being "ripped away." However, she noted that unlike past welfare reforms, ministers have consulted extensively and are not solely driven by cost-saving motives. Government insiders express optimism about avoiding a rebellion, citing more generous Treasury funding than expected and assurances that EHCP protections will remain intact.
Long-Term Implementation and Legal Safeguards
The full package of reforms will be phased in over a decade, with new EHCP formats affecting children only from 2030 onward, accounting for enhanced school-based provision. Over 480,000 children in England currently have EHCPs, and reports highlight fears about potential curtailments during school transitions. The first-tier equalities tribunal will continue to handle EHCP appeals, though its role will be "refocused" to align with other legal avenues for families. Policymakers stress that the success of the overhaul hinges on clearly communicating benefits, including sustained protections for EHCPs and increased system funding, to gain parliamentary and public support.
