England's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system is at a pivotal point, grappling with escalating demand, financial strain, and calls for comprehensive reform. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has acknowledged the system's shortcomings, emphasising the need for a transformative approach to ensure equitable and effective support for all students.()
Mounting Pressures on the SEND Framework
The number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has surged, more than doubling over the past decade to over 600,000. This increase has led to daily expenditures of £12 million on transportation alone. Despite a 60% rise in overall high-needs spending, real-term funding per pupil has decreased by a third. Local councils are legally obligated to meet EHCP requirements, resulting in a projected £3.3 billion deficit, expected to reach £8 billion by 2027.
Government Initiatives and Proposed Reforms
In response to these challenges, the Department for Education has allocated £740 million to create 10,000 new places for pupils with SEND. Additionally, a £1.7 million funding boost aims to provide assistive technologies, such as reading pens and iPads, to support up to 4,000 schools.
However, concerns persist regarding the sustainability of the current system. The government is contemplating significant changes, including potentially restricting EHCPs to special schools or replacing them altogether. While these measures aim to alleviate financial burdens, they have sparked fears among families and advocates about the potential loss of legal protections and support for children with special needs.
The emphasis on Inclusion and Early Intervention
A central theme of the proposed reforms is the integration of more SEND pupils into mainstream schools. The government plans to enhance classroom support and establish specialized in-school units, drawing inspiration from successful models like Barking & Dagenham's Additional Resource Provisions (ARPs). This approach aims to reduce reliance on costly private special schools and promote inclusivity.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called for a shift in perspective, urging parents to “think very differently” about SEND funding and support. She emphasises the importance of early identification and timely intervention to prevent children's needs from escalating.
Looking Ahead
The government's forthcoming white paper, expected in autumn 2025, will outline the next steps for SEND reform. As the nation awaits these developments, the focus remains on creating a system that balances financial sustainability with the imperative to provide comprehensive, inclusive support for all students with special educational needs.