The UK government plans a major overhaul of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. Under the reforms, mainstream schools will receive direct budgets to support pupils with additional needs, instead of relying on local councils. The goal is to improve services and reduce escalating costs within the SEND system.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson says the change will empower schools to commission therapy, learning support and specialist help directly. Meanwhile, the reforms will introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for pupils in mainstream education. These plans are designed to provide legal assurances for support without requiring a full Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

📚 Funding and New Support Plans

Under the new approach, mainstream schools will get dedicated SEND funding. Therefore, they can buy services such as speech therapy and behavioural support on behalf of pupils. This change aims to reduce reliance on local authorities, which have faced mounting costs and pressure in recent years.

In addition, the reforms will introduce Individual Support Plans to set out the help pupils need. Those plans will carry legal protections similar to EHCPs, but they will apply to children with lower-level additional needs. This change could expand access to support for pupils who do not meet the current EHCP threshold.

🔍 Changing Eligibility Rules

However, the proposed overhaul includes tougher criteria for EHCP access after 2030. Critics warn this could limit legal rights for some families. For example, pupils moving from primary to secondary school may face eligibility reviews that change their support level. Although the government insists protections remain, some parents and MPs fear legal entitlements could weaken.

Despite these concerns, officials say the overall system will offer better, more consistent support. They argue that directing funding to mainstream schools will help pupils stay in their local communities and reduce delays.

📊 School Accountability and Legal Rights

The reforms will also hold schools accountable for making reasonable adjustments for conditions such as autism and ADHD. If schools fail to provide agreed support, parents will be able to seek legal redress. Therefore, families should still have avenues to challenge shortcomings in provision.

In addition, the government plans new price bands and quality standards for independent special schools. These measures aim to curb excessive fees at alternative providers, which have drawn criticism for high costs and inconsistent outcomes.

🧩 Parent and MP Concerns

Some parent groups and Members of Parliament have expressed deep reservations. They worry that changes to EHCP rules could make it harder for children with the most severe needs to secure formal support. For them, legal protections and stable education rights are vital, especially for pupils entering secondary school.

In response, education advocates argue that the reforms represent a long-needed fix to a system that has struggled for years. They say early, tailored support in mainstream schools will benefit more pupils and help reduce disputes between families and councils.

🔎 Looking Ahead

The SEND overhaul is part of a broader review of the education system in England, expected to be set out in a schools white paper. Meanwhile, schools and families are preparing for changes that could reshape special needs support over the next decade.

Although details may still evolve, the shift toward direct school budgets marks a significant departure from past practice. Advocates believe it could improve inclusion and reduce delays, while critics remain wary of tighter eligibility rules and legal rights changes.