Generational SEND Reforms Unveiled to Transform School Support System
In a landmark announcement, the government has published a comprehensive plan to overhaul the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, promising targeted support, earlier intervention, and significant investment to make mainstream schools more inclusive. This decade-long reform programme, backed by billions of pounds, aims to address long-standing crises that have left children waiting years for essential assistance.
New Tiered Support System and Digital Plans
Under the new system, set to launch in September 2029, children will access three tiers of support: Targeted, Targeted Plus, and Specialist. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will be reserved for those with the most complex needs, while a digital Individual Support Plan (ISP) will be introduced for others. The ISP requires no formal assessment or diagnosis, allowing schools to provide support instantaneously based on input from teachers and parents. This shift is designed to eliminate lengthy waits that have plagued the current system.
EHCP Reassessment and Specialist Provision
EHCPs will be reassessed as children transition between educational phases, such as from primary to secondary school. The first cohort to undergo this review will be current Year 2 pupils when they move to secondary education. Specialist Provision Packages (SPS) will underpin EHCPs, offering a legal entitlement to support for conditions like autism, ADHD, and sensory impairments. An expert panel will oversee these packages, with a fast-track process for children under five.
Inclusion and Teacher Training Initiatives
To foster inclusivity, all secondary schools will be required to have inclusion bases, supported by £3.7 billion to create 60,000 new SEND places. Additionally, every teacher in mainstream schools will receive SEND-specific training, backed by £200 million over three years. This move aligns with Labour's manifesto pledge to hire 6,500 new teachers and aims to improve retention by addressing workload and wellbeing concerns.
Funding and Financial Reforms
The Department for Education has committed to spending £7 billion more on SEND support compared to 2025-26, with £4 billion directly allocated to reforms from 2026/27 to 2028/29. This includes £1.6 billion for the Inclusion Mainstream Fund and £200 million for teacher training. Capital funding of £3.7 billion will finance new specialist places. The government also plans to cap fees at independent special schools, which currently average £63,000 per child annually, to ensure sustainability and quality.
Early Intervention and Disadvantage Gap Targets
Emphasising early support, the plan includes £700 million for Best Start Family Hubs, with councils recruiting dedicated SEND practitioners. A target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time children born under this government finish secondary school has been set, focusing on factors like family income and location rather than just free school meals. Programmes like Mission North East and Mission Coastal will address regional disparities.
Additional Reforms and Support Measures
- Maternity Pay Boost: School teachers and leaders will see full maternity pay doubled from 4 to 8 weeks from 2027-28, aimed at retaining experienced staff.
- National Standards and School Profiles: New National Inclusion Standards will ensure consistent support, while School Profiles will provide parents with key information on attendance and attainment.
- Special Schools Role: Special schools will assist mainstream settings through outreach and placements, with all current special school pupils guaranteed their places until education completion.
- Teacher Retention: A retention programme launching this autumn will offer peer support and flexible working options to reduce turnover.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have championed these reforms, with Starmer highlighting personal connections to the issue, referencing his brother's struggles with learning difficulties. The reforms aim to deliver "a better education for every single child," addressing systemic failures and building a more equitable educational landscape.
