The UK government has unveiled ambitious reforms aimed at altering the support structure for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England's educational institutions. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that students with the most complex needs will continue to receive their support plans, which are crucial for ensuring that these children receive legally mandated assistance tailored to their requirements. This change marks a significant shift in policy as the government seeks to amend the current framework governing these support systems.

Under the new proposals, the rollout will begin in 2030, with projections indicating a decline in the number of children receiving education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which define the assistance available to young people with SEND. The education department forecasts that the proportion of pupils with an EHCP will begin to decrease, dropping from 5.8% to approximately 4.7% by the 2034/35 school year. During the transition period, it is expected that about one in eight children currently on an EHCP will be moved to new plan structures designed under the reform.

The implications of this reform are significant, as they represent both a shift in funding prioritization and potential impacts on the quality and accessibility of education for SEND students. While the initiative aims to tailor support more effectively, critics may argue that reduced reliance on EHCPs could undermine the existing framework that guarantees necessary resources for vulnerable children. As this policy rolls out, the government will need to balance the demands for fiscal responsibility with the pressing needs of children requiring specialized educational support.