Government Forecasts Reduction in Highest Send Support Levels from 2030
The Government has released its Schools White Paper, detailing comprehensive reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system in England. According to projections, the proportion of children receiving the current highest level of Send support is set to decline annually from the end of this decade.
Projected Shifts in Send Support
Estimates from the Department for Education (DfE) indicate that around one in eight children with Send who currently have education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will transition to new support plans between 2030 and 2035. EHCPs are legal documents that outline the support entitlements for children with Send.
While the percentage of pupils with EHCPs is expected to rise until 2029/30, it is projected to fall to approximately 4.7% by 2034/35, down from the current 5.8%. This shift is part of broader efforts to create a more inclusive Send system, supported by £4 billion in funding.
Prime Minister and Education Secretary Back Reforms
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the current Send system "does not work," emphasizing his commitment to providing "a better education for every child." Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed this sentiment, aiming to move children with Send from being "sidelined and excluded to seen, heard and included."
The reforms come in response to growing challenges, including long waits for support and a more than doubling in demand for EHCPs since 2014.
Introduction of New Support Plans
The policy documents propose replacing some EHCPs with individual support plans (ISPs), which will have multiple tiers of support—targeted and targeted plus. Notably, children will not require a diagnosis to access ISPs. Those with the most complex needs will retain EHCPs, which will underpin new specialist provision packages.
Assessments for the new system will begin in September 2029, with no changes to current support before at least September 2030. When new legislation takes effect, children with EHCPs will be reassessed at the end of their education phase to determine if they need a specialist provision package, potentially leading to a new EHCP.
Monitoring and Fast-Track Routes
Schools watchdog Ofsted will monitor the implementation of ISPs, with failures to meet standards possibly resulting in new school management. Additionally, a fast-track route will be introduced alongside the NHS for children under five with the most complex needs to access specialist provision packages and EHCPs.
The DfE has assured that no child with a special school place at the start of the reforms in 2029 will lose it, and Send tribunals will remain a "last resort" for parental appeals.
Funding and Broader Education Goals
Mainstream schools, colleges, and early years providers will receive £1.6 billion over three years to support Send children. A further £1.8 billion will fund a bank of specialists, such as Send teachers and speech therapists, accessible regardless of EHCP status.
Earlier this month, the Government announced it would write off 90% of high needs deficits accrued by councils and manage Send costs in the overall budget from 2028. Other initiatives include £200 million for teacher training in Send support and £3 billion to create about 50,000 new school places for Send children.
Political and Public Response
Five former education secretaries have urged Labour MPs to back the Send reform plans. However, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott has expressed concerns, stating she would "oppose any support being withdrawn."
NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack criticized the funding levels as "ridiculous" for adequately overhauling Send provision. The reforms also set targets to halve the disadvantage gap and improve GCSE outcomes for poorer students, alongside measures to increase teacher numbers and enhance maternity pay for teachers from 2027/28.
