Government's SEND Overhaul: A Massive Task with Unanswered Questions
The government has announced a comprehensive reform of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, aiming to change how and when pupils receive direct funding. Deputy political editor Sam Coates reports that while the educational community is broadly positive, many key details remain unclear, casting doubt on the plan's feasibility.
Funding Gaps and Uncertain Criteria
One of the most pressing concerns is funding. Number 10 confirmed there is no additional money beyond last summer's tight spending review, with half of the £7bn transformation pot announced as far back as November 2025. Unions argue that these sums are insufficient for schools to meet the new expectations. Additionally, the specific criteria for qualifying for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) have not been fully disclosed, leaving uncertainty about which children will access the highest levels of support.
Staffing Challenges in Mainstream Schools
Another major issue is staffing. With teachers and teaching assistants leaving the profession at high rates—90% depart before retirement age—it is unclear where the personnel to support SEND in mainstream schools will come from. This shortage could undermine the reform's goal of integrating more children with special needs into regular classrooms.
Shift from Councils to Schools
At the heart of the reforms is a plan to move responsibility from local councils to individual schools. By 2028, schools will triage children with additional needs, replacing the often contentious legal battles between parents and councils with discussions between parents and teachers. This shift aims to reduce the number of children in specialist schools, reversing a trend of the past 12 years.
New Individual Support Plans
Under the new system, every child with SEND will receive an Individual Support Plan (ISP), a digital record of their needs and support developed with parents. Schools must also manage EHCPs for children with the most complex needs. This expansion means providing legally enforceable plans to over one million children who currently lack them, a significant bureaucratic and logistical challenge.
Potential for Disputes and Legal Battles
If parents disagree with headteachers over ISPs, the updated school complaints process will include an independent SEND expert. However, given the new legal rights, disputes could escalate to court cases, adding further strain to the system.
Rebalancing Funding and Training Efforts
Funding will be rebalanced from the high needs block to general school SEND budgets, giving schools more control. However, questions remain about who will benefit. National SEND training, backed by over £200m over three years, equates to about £420 per teacher, raising doubts about its sufficiency for transformation.
Concerns from Advocacy Groups
Groups representing autistic children and some unions have already expressed alarm over the lack of cash and potential impacts. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasizes making the system work better, but without clarity on the toughest aspects, the reform's passage through parliament is not guaranteed.
