England overhauls SEND system, EHCPs limited to complex needs from 2035
England overhauls SEND system, EHCPs limited to complex needs from 2035
England plans to restructure SEND, with only the most complex cases eligible for EHCPs by 2035, as funding boosts aim to boost inclusion in mainstream schools.
England will overhaul its special educational needs system, with changes that mean only children with the most complex needs will be eligible for education, health and care plans (EHCPs) from 2035. Those already with EHCPs can keep them until at least September 2029, after which each child's support will be reassessed at the end of primary school and GCSEs. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the reforms aim to make mainstream schools more inclusive and to deliver better life chances for children with SEND.\n\nUnder the Schools White Paper, the government unveiled £4bn of funding over the next three years to support SEND reforms. About £1.6bn will go directly to schools, early years settings and colleges, while £1.8bn will be directed to expanding access to specialists such as teachers focused on SEND and speech and language therapists. The changes come amid rising demand for EHCPs and a system that has been criticised as broken by the National Audit Office.\n\nReaction has been mixed. The National Education Union warned that more demands on schools must come with real resources and cautioned that current funding may not be enough. Proponents say the reforms could create more consistent support in mainstream settings and improve long-term outcomes for children who rely on specialist provision.\n\nOverall, the plan signals a shift in England’s SEND approach as part of the Schools White Paper to integrate education, health and care planning into mainstream education while ensuring accountability for funding and delivery.
