SEND reforms could change how children receive support

Leaked plans in England propose changes to how SEND support and EHCPs are managed, and the Schools White Paper is expected in the coming days.

Leaked plans suggest ministers may overhaul how children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive support in England. The Schools White Paper setting out the government's proposals is expected in the coming days. Families, teachers and councils told BBC News they are concerned about proposed changes to education, health and care plans (EHCPs), funding and local provision. Key points: - The leaked proposals include reviewing children's EHCPs after primary school and again after GCSEs, a change families say could lead to more reassessments and risk losing established support. - The National Audit Office has described the SEND system as "broken", and councils' spending on SEND has risen substantially over the past decade, putting strain on local budgets. - Families and support groups described long waits, rising tribunal cases, costs of private assessments, and concerns that unconscious bias can affect decisions for non-white children. - Schools and councils report staff shortages, challenges in funding distribution, and rising demand; some local authorities plan to create more high‑needs places in mainstream schools while awaiting national detail. Summary: The leaks suggest reforms would shift how EHCPs and placements are assessed and how future SEND costs are managed, prompting concern from families and school staff about reassessments, staffing and funding. The government's Schools White Paper is due soon and councils say they need the full national plans before they can outline local responses.