England to overhaul SEND system: EHCPs capped to complex needs by 2035
England to overhaul SEND system: EHCPs capped to complex needs by 2035
Britain plans sweeping SEND reforms, limiting EHCPs to the most complex cases by 2035 and pouring billions into making mainstream schools more inclusive.
The government has announced sweeping changes to how children with special educational needs will be supported in England, moving to restrict education, health and care plans (EHCPs) to only the most complex cases from 2035. Those already benefiting from EHCPs will keep their plans until they reach the next key transition point, with reassessment beginning as they finish primary school and move toward GCSEs, starting in September 2029.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the reforms as a step toward more inclusive mainstream schools and better life chances for children with SEND. The plan is part of a broader Schools White Paper, backed by a multi-billion-pound funding package intended to boost resources for mainstream schools, early years settings and colleges.
In total, the government says £4 billion will be spent over the next three years to improve access to SEND support. About £1.6 billion is earmarked directly for schools, early years settings and colleges, while around £1.8 billion will go toward providing more access to experts such as specialist teachers and speech and language therapists.
The changes come amid warnings from groups that the SEND system has been strained for years. The National Audit Office has called the system broken at times, placing growing pressure on families and schools. Supporters say the reforms could reduce bureaucratic delays and help more pupils succeed in inclusive environments, while critics, including the National Education Union, urge the government to ensure adequate funding and staffing to realise the plan’s ambitions.
