Major SEND System Overhaul Targets Secondary School Transition
The government is preparing significant reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, with one key change focusing on how support is managed during the critical transition from primary to secondary education. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is expected to unveil a comprehensive package of measures when parliament reconvenes, marking what could be the most substantial restructuring of SEND provision in years.
Reducing Reliance on Education Health and Care Plans
Central to the proposed reforms is a deliberate effort to decrease dependency on Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the legally binding documents that currently support children and young adults up to age 25. Government data reveals that approximately 19% of children receive these plans between ages 10-11, precisely as they move from primary to secondary school. The review process at this educational milestone is designed to ensure that support remains appropriate while potentially reducing the overall number of EHCPs issued.
The dramatic expansion of EHCP usage has created substantial challenges across the education sector. Since 2017, the number of individuals with these plans has nearly doubled, with projections indicating further increases by decade's end. This growth has placed immense financial strain on local authorities responsible for funding special needs provision, while simultaneously generating lengthy waiting lists that delay crucial support for vulnerable children.
Systemic Pressures and Legal Challenges
The current system's limitations have become increasingly apparent through multiple indicators of strain. Dissatisfied families who initially fail to secure EHCPs are increasingly resorting to legal appeals, with a staggering 99% of these appeals being accepted in 2023 alone. This pattern suggests systemic issues in the initial assessment and allocation process, creating unnecessary conflict between families and educational authorities.
According to the County Councils Network, despite the considerable cost and administrative effort involved, EHCPs are not demonstrably improving educational outcomes for many recipients. The organization has called for "root and branch" reform to prevent local councils from reaching financial breaking points while ensuring children receive appropriate, effective support.
Introducing Individual Support Plans
Alongside the review of existing EHCPs at secondary transition, the government plans to introduce a new category of support for children with additional needs who don't qualify for full EHCPs. These Individual Support Plans (ISPs) will be developed by schools themselves and are expected to carry some form of legal protection, though the exact mechanisms for appeal and oversight remain unclear.
This shift represents a significant redistribution of responsibility, with mainstream schools taking on greater roles in providing for moderate special needs that previously fell to local authorities. However, crucial questions about funding these expanded responsibilities have yet to be addressed, raising concerns about implementation feasibility.
Implementation Timeline and Political Context
Government sources emphasize that the reforms are not intended to diminish rights or remove existing placements, assuring that no child would lose their place in a special school once secured. The proposed changes are not expected to take effect until 2029 at the earliest, meaning implementation would likely occur after the next general election, introducing political uncertainty into the reform timeline.
The leaked proposals suggest a fundamental rethinking of how special educational needs are identified, supported, and funded throughout a child's educational journey. By focusing particularly on the secondary transition point—a period of significant developmental change—the government aims to create a more responsive, sustainable system that better serves children's evolving needs while managing the substantial financial pressures that have threatened to overwhelm local authorities.
