The UK government has announced a 'generational' overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (Send) support, pledging £4bn to transform provision in schools in England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described it as a 'once in a generation' opportunity to 'define the future of education'. The plans include tailored specialist support in all mainstream schools and 60,000 additional special needs school places.
The reforms come amid record demand for Send provision and mounting parental distrust. Under the changes, schools will receive additional funding for specialised support, but stricter criteria will apply for education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which will be reserved for children with the most severe needs. New plans for lower tiers will still confer additional support and legal rights.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the plans, stating that 'getting the right support should never be a battle'. He cited his late brother Nick's struggles with learning difficulties as personal inspiration. Councils face losing control of Send services if they fail to meet legal duties, with government sources warning they will be 'stripped of their powers' for non-compliance.
The white paper proposes £1.6bn in direct funding over three years for early years settings, schools, and colleges, which can be spent on provisions such as small-group language support. Parents will no longer have a free choice of school but will receive a list of possibilities, with appeals allowed through the Send tribunal.
