Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced a 'generational' overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (Send) support in England, backed by £4bn in funding. The reforms aim to transform provision in mainstream schools and expand specialist places, marking a key policy moment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Writing in the Guardian, Phillipson pledged 'improved support, not removed support', addressing fears that the long-delayed changes would be a cuts exercise. The package includes tailored specialist support in all mainstream schools and 60,000 additional special needs school places, funded by £1.6bn directly allocated to early years settings, schools, and colleges over three years.
Under the reforms, education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will be reserved for children with the most severe and complex needs, while lower-tier plans will still confer legal rights. Parents will no longer have a free choice of school but will receive a list of options, with appeals allowed. The government also warned councils they could lose control of Send services if they fail to meet legal duties, as more than half of EHCPs are currently issued outside the 20-week deadline.
Prime Minister Starmer, citing his late brother Nick's learning difficulties as personal inspiration, said the system should ensure 'getting the right support should never be a battle – it should be a given'. The white paper, due on Monday, follows a listening drive by Phillipson to address concerns from MPs and parents who had previously threatened rebellion.
