Bridget Phillipson has announced sweeping reforms to special educational needs (Send) provision in England, aiming to reduce reliance on cash-strapped councils and shift responsibility to schools. The education secretary's long-awaited proposals will result in 270,000 fewer students receiving education, health and care plans (EHCPs) by 2035 compared to current trends.
Under the plans, millions of pupils will instead receive individual support plans (ISPs) agreed between parents and schools, which will not be subject to independent legal appeal. EHCPs, which have more than doubled since 2014, will be reserved for children with the highest needs, such as lifelong learning disabilities or severe behavioural problems.
The changes aim to curb rising Send spending, which has left councils facing a projected £6bn funding gap within two years. However, spending is not expected to fall below current levels for almost a decade. The proposals were welcomed by local authorities but criticised by teaching unions, who warned of increased pressure on teachers.
Labour MPs gave a cautious welcome, though some expressed concerns. Helen Hayes, chair of the education select committee, said parents need reassurance that children's rights will be strengthened, not eroded. Former Conservative minister Iain Duncan Smith warned that parents are 'petrified' about losing EHCPs they fought for.
Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden questioned the lack of detail on increasing teaching assistants, while Labour backbencher Jen Craft, a parent of a disabled child, said the plans reflect engagement with families but called for clarity on accountability. Phillipson pledged more detail soon.
