England SEND Reforms: Faster Support for Children with Special Needs by April 2026

England's SEND support system is changing. The government plans to cut waiting times from years to weeks, aiming for faster help for children with special needs.
By Newsroom | Education, England |

A significant overhaul of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England is set to be announced, with the government promising to speed up access to crucial support for children. Education ministers have stated that the reforms aim to ensure children receive help within weeks, rather than the current months or years, and are intended to improve outcomes. However, these changes, particularly concerning Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), are anticipated to face opposition and have raised concerns among parents and advocacy groups.

Minister pledges that children will receive Send support ‘much more quickly’ under new reforms - UK politics live - 1

Focus on Streamlining SEND Support

The government is preparing to unveil a comprehensive reform package for the SEND system, a move acknowledged by all major political parties as necessary due to the current system's recognized shortcomings. The core promise of these reforms is a significant reduction in the time it takes for children to receive necessary support.

Read More: England SEND Reforms: Will 250,000 Children Lose Extra Support?

Minister pledges that children will receive Send support ‘much more quickly’ under new reforms - UK politics live - 2

  • Expedited Access: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has pledged that children will receive support "much more quickly," with the goal of moving from months or years to weeks for access.

  • Increased Investment: Phillipson has stated that the reforms are not driven by cost-saving measures but by an intention to "spend more money delivering better outcomes for children."

  • Transition Support: A "decade-long, very careful transition" is planned to move from the existing system, which is widely acknowledged as "not working."

Changes to Eligibility and Support Structures

A key element of the reform is the adjustment of criteria for obtaining an EHCP, a legally binding document that guarantees support for children with SEND.

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  • Higher Bar for EHCPs: The reforms will "raise the bar at which children in England qualify for an education, health and care plan (EHCP)." This means EHCPs will be primarily for children with the most severe and complex needs.

  • Individual Support Plans (ISPs): The overhaul will introduce ISPs for all children with SEND, providing additional support and extending legal rights to a broader group. These plans will focus on outcomes for children alongside the support they receive.

  • Support Review at Transition: Leaked plans suggest that a child's right to SEND support will be reviewed as they transition from primary to secondary school.

Concerns and Opposition to Reforms

Despite the government's assurances, the proposed changes have generated apprehension and potential political opposition.

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  • Parental Anxiety: Parents have described the prospect of reassessing their children's educational support as "genuinely frightening."

  • Opposition Stance: The shadow education secretary has stated that the Conservatives would "oppose any special educational needs (Send) support being withdrawn after children’s needs are reviewed." Labour MPs also have lingering concerns about parents' rights to legal appeal.

  • Watering Down Rights: Campaign groups are worried that the changes might "represent a watering down of legal rights for children."

Broader Context and Political Landscape

The SEND reforms are part of a larger legislative effort, with a schools white paper expected to be published soon. This initiative is seen as a significant policy challenge for the current administration.

  • Schools White Paper: The reforms are due to be unveiled alongside a schools white paper, a major policy document.

  • Inclusion Focus: Beyond EHCPs, the white paper will focus on better including children with all but the most severe needs in mainstream schools.

  • Funding for Places: In related developments, councils have received £3 billion to create more specialist spaces for SEND pupils, including breakout areas and rooms designed to support children with conditions like autism or ADHD.

Government's Position on Support

Ministers have emphasized that effective support will not be removed and that the aim is to enhance, not diminish, provision.

  • No Removal of Effective Support: Phillipson has stated, "We are not going to be taking away effective support from children."

  • Focus on Outcomes: There will be a greater emphasis on "outcomes for children alongside the support they can expect."

  • Commitment to Investment: The government claims it will "spend more money delivering better outcomes for children," contradicting any suggestion that the reforms are purely for cost-saving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will England's new SEND reforms for children with special needs start?
The government plans to start reforms for children with special needs by April 2026. The aim is to make support much faster, moving from waiting months or years to just weeks.
Q: How will the new SEND reforms in England change support for children with special needs?
The reforms aim to give support faster. Children with the most serious needs will still get Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), but new Individual Support Plans (ISPs) will help more children.
Q: Will children with special needs lose support under the new SEND reforms in England?
The government says that good support will not be taken away. The goal is to spend more money to give better results for children with special needs and focus on what they can achieve.
Q: What are the main concerns parents have about the SEND reforms in England?
Some parents are worried that the reforms might make it harder to get support or that their child's rights could be reduced. They fear reassessing their child's needs could be frightening.
Q: How much money is England giving to create more spaces for pupils with special needs?
Councils in England have been given £3 billion to create more special places for pupils with SEND. This includes rooms for children with conditions like autism or ADHD.