Parents of disabled children across England are warning that the government’s planned overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could weaken legal protections and lead to the loss of essential support, according to a new national survey by disability charity Sense.
A poll of 1,000 parents of children with complex needs – including autism, deaf-blindness, learning disabilities and physical impairments – found that half feel nervous about the proposed changes, while 45% fear their child’s support could be removed. One in five said their child’s school is already failing to deliver the help guaranteed under current law.
The findings come as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson prepares to publish a schools white paper in mid-February setting out sweeping reforms to the SEND system in England, part of a broader drive to fix what ministers describe as a “broken” special needs framework.
Concerns Over Education, Health and Care Plans
At the centre of parental concern are Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the legally binding documents that set out the support children are entitled to receive. EHCPs currently give families the right to challenge local authorities at a specialist tribunal if services are not provided.
The Sense survey found nearly half of parents described the process of securing SEND support as “stressful”, while many fear reforms could dilute these legal safeguards at a time when demand is rising and services are overstretched.
Impact on Families and Employment
The pressure on families is already severe. A third of parents said they had been forced to leave their jobs due to a lack of appropriate provision for their children, and 40% reported reducing working hours to cope with care needs. Campaigners warn that any weakening of statutory rights could deepen financial hardship and worsen outcomes for disabled children.
Charity Calls for Stronger Legal Protection
James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of Sense, said the current system is “baffling and underfunded” and that reforms must not come at the expense of children’s rights.
He warned that without robust legal protections and proper investment, children with complex needs risk “falling further behind at the cost of their wellbeing and life chances”. He called for a fully funded workforce strategy, early intervention, and a joined-up approach across education, health and social care.
Government Response and Funding Plans
The Department for Education said it has completed a nationwide consultation with parents, schools and charities and promised reforms would end the “postcode lottery” in SEND provision. Ministers say the white paper will protect parental rights, expand specialist places in mainstream schools, and invest in training, including £200m to upskill teachers and at least £3bn to create 50,000 new specialist school places.
However, the Office for Budget Responsibility has warned that SEND spending is on track to reach £18bn by 2029, with local authority high-needs deficits expected to be absorbed into the Department for Education’s budget unless additional Treasury funding is secured.
High Stakes for Ministers
With more children being diagnosed with autism and complex learning needs each year, and tribunal appeals at record levels, the forthcoming reforms are seen as a critical test of the government’s commitment to inclusive education. Parents and campaigners insist that any new system must strengthen, not weaken, the legal guarantees that ensure disabled children receive the support they need to thrive.