Children with a legal entitlement to special needs support could see their provision reassessed under the planned SEND system overhaul England, according to details expected to be unveiled in the government’s upcoming schools white paper. The first pupils likely to be affected are currently in key stage 1, meaning the reforms could reshape support pathways for thousands of families over the coming decade.
The proposed shake-up of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework is considered one of the government’s most significant education reforms and is already raising concerns among Labour MPs and parent groups.
Higher threshold for EHCP support
Under the plans, ministers intend to raise the bar for qualifying for an education, health and care plan (EHCP), the legally binding document that guarantees additional support for children with SEND.
EHCPs would be reserved primarily for pupils with the most severe and complex needs. Children with lower-level needs would instead receive tailored individual support plans delivered directly by schools, though officials insist these will still carry enforceable rights.
Sources familiar with the proposals say parents will retain legal routes to challenge decisions through equality legislation and tribunal processes.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has argued that children with SEND will “always have a legal right to support,” maintaining the reforms aim to improve outcomes rather than restrict access.
Secondary school transition reviews planned
One of the most significant changes is the planned review point when pupils move from primary to secondary education. Children currently in year 2 with an EHCP could be reassessed to determine whether they should remain on the plan or have their needs met through the new, more flexible framework.
New-style EHCPs are expected to be introduced from 2030, giving schools several years to prepare for the transition.
Officials argue the current system is slow and overly bureaucratic, with many families waiting months or even years for plans to be issued.
Greater role for schools and NHS
The reforms would give schools commissioning budgets to fund SEND provision directly, mirroring elements of NHS commissioning structures. Health services are also expected to play a larger partnership role in assessing and delivering support.
Children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD would typically receive individual support plans managed within schools under a nationally defined framework.
Government sources say this approach will allow support to be delivered faster and closer to home, reducing reliance on specialist placements.
Mounting financial pressure behind reforms
The SEND overhaul comes amid severe financial strain across England’s education system. High-needs spending has surged by roughly two-thirds over the past decade to more than £11bn annually.
Local authorities are now carrying an estimated £6bn deficit linked to SEND provision. Councils spent more than £2bn last year on taxis and transport for pupils travelling to specialist schools, largely due to shortages of local places.
The Local Government Association recently warned that four in five councils could effectively face bankruptcy without structural reform.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled last year that central government may assume greater responsibility for SEND costs.
Political risks for ministers
Despite the financial pressures, ministers insist the reforms are not driven by cost-cutting. Phillipson has told MPs the current model is failing children despite record spending levels.
Officials say the forthcoming white paper will not immediately reduce the £11bn annual budget but aims to slow the rate of growth and improve outcomes.
However, the plans are politically sensitive. Some within government fear Labour MPs could rebel if parents mount strong opposition, recalling the backbench revolt that forced ministers to retreat on earlier welfare reforms.
Government promises more inclusive system
The Department for Education says it has already committed £3bn to specialist SEND units in mainstream schools and £200m for teacher training.
A spokesperson said the reforms will create a “needs-led” system that embeds support earlier and closer to families.
Ministers argue the goal is to move away from what they describe as a one-size-fits-all approach and build a more responsive framework capable of meeting rising demand.
Full details of the SEND system overhaul England are expected when the schools white paper is published.