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England Plans Simpler SEND Support System to Help Children Faster

Prime Highlights

  • All children with SEND will receive Individual Support Plans (ISPs), ensuring support is more accessible and regularly updated.
  • The new system aims to provide help more quickly and smoothly, reducing delays for families.

Key Facts

  • By 2035, only children with the highest needs will qualify for EHCPs, while others will receive support through ISPs.
  • The number of pupils with EHCPs has risen from 2.8% in 2015 to 5.3%, increasing pressure on local authorities.

Background:

The UK government has announced changes to the SEND system in England to make support easier for children and families. The reforms, introduced by the Department for Education, will gradually change how assistance is provided, with a stronger focus on early and flexible support.

Under the new system, all children with SEND will get an Individual Support Plan (ISP). This plan will explain what support the child needs and what goals they are working towards. Schools, nurseries, and colleges will prepare and review these plans with parents to make sure the support stays up to date.

Support will also be divided into three levels: targeted, targeted plus, and specialist. Targeted support includes small group help and simple adjustments. Targeted Plus gives children access to experts like therapists and psychologists. Children with the most complex needs will receive specialist support through detailed provision packages designed by experts.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which currently guarantee legal support, will become more limited over time. By 2035, only children with the highest needs will get EHCPs. Children who already have them will keep them until they finish their current stage of education. Reassessments will start from September 2029 for students moving to the next stage of education.

The government says these changes are needed because demand for support is rising. The number of pupils with EHCPs has grown from 2.8% in 2015 to 5.3% now, which is putting pressure on local authorities.

Officials also plan to introduce national inclusion standards by 2028. These will explain what support schools should give, so it is the same everywhere.

The changes aim to make support quicker and easier. Some worry fewer children will get EHCPs, but the government says support will still be given without delays.