In a significant policy shift, the UK government plans to review the eligibility for special needs support as children transition to secondary school. This change specifically affects children currently in key stage 1, representing a substantial overhaul of the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system. The impending reforms, expected to be outlined in a schools white paper, aim to set higher eligibility criteria for education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which allow access to essential support for children with severe and complex needs.

The government's move to tighten qualifications for EHCPs will mean that only children with the most severe and complex needs will receive these plans, resulting in potential implications for the broader cohort of children who currently benefit from various levels of support. However, the government also assures that new provisions for those on lower tiers will still provide additional support and legal rights. Sources indicate that parents will retain avenues to appeal decisions under existing equalities legislation and through tribunals, potentially safeguarding some of the rights currently in place.

This proposed overhaul of the Send system is regarded as one of the most consequential policy changes by the government and may face substantial pushback from opposition Labour MPs, highlighting a significant debate about access to education and support for children with special needs in England. The outcome of this policy could have lasting effects on many families and the structure of educational support across the country, as society grapples with the balance between resource allocation and the needs of vulnerable children.