Prime Highlights:

• The government is planning major reforms to make SEND support fairer and more effective, focusing on early help in mainstream schools while protecting legal rights.
• Funding measures include billions for school places, teacher training, and council debts, showing a clear commitment to improving support for children with special educational needs.

Key Facts:

• One in five children in England now needs SEND support, with EHCPs rising from 240,000 in 2015 to 639,000 in 2025.
• The government has committed £3 billion for school places, £200 million for teacher training, £1 billion for school facilities, and £5 billion to clear council debts.

Background:

The government is set to outline plans to reform England’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, aiming to improve support for hundreds of thousands of children and families. Officials say the reforms will focus on early support in mainstream schools, while providing specialist placements for children with complex needs.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized the need for change. Sources say she is ready to take tough decisions to address rising demand and ensure children receive the help they need.

SEND has become a major concern for parents and MPs. One in five children in England needs support, and EHCPs have risen to 639,000. Parents face long battles, and councils struggle with costs.

The government has promised £3 billion for school places, £200 million for teacher training, £1 billion for school buildings, and £5 billion to clear council debts. From 2028, the government will take over responsibility for SEND funding.

Officials say that children’s current legal rights will be protected, but some parents worry that their protections under EHCPs could be reduced. Campaigns such as “Save Our Children’s Rights” show these concerns.

Labour MPs describe the government’s approach as “thoughtful” but caution that rebuilding trust will be critical. The County Councils Network has asked ministers to make tough decisions, including laws to focus EHCPs on those who need them most.

With more children needing support, the next few weeks are important to make SEND fair, well-funded, and effective for all.