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Recent government data reveals a continued and significant rise in the number of children receiving support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Between January 2025 and January 2026, those with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs)—the legal documents that detail the support a child is entitled to—grew by 12.5%. This marks the largest annual increase since EHCPs were first introduced more than ten years ago, pushing the total number of children and young people with EHCPs beyond 700,000.
A representative from the Department for Education (DfE) acknowledged the scale of the challenge inherited by the government and highlighted a £4 billion investment aimed at integrating specialist SEND support within mainstream schools. The spokesperson emphasized a commitment to creating an education system where all schools can help every child flourish, while ensuring that those with the most significant needs receive the tailored assistance required. More than 110,000 new EHCPs were issued in 2025 alone, encompassing children and young people up to 25 years old. However, fewer than half of these plans were completed within the statutory 20-week timeframe, indicating ongoing delays. Additionally, the number of students with EHCPs attending mainstream schools has grown by over 15% compared to the previous year.
Among families navigating the EHCP process is Karen Quinn, whose 11-year-old son Adam, who has autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, is currently awaiting support as he prepares to start secondary school. Karen described the struggle to secure proper SEND provision as a significant challenge that “wastes so much of their one little childhood.” Although the council began assessing Adam in May, this was later than anticipated, raising concerns that the EHCP might not be ready in time for his school transition in September. Karen expressed the importance of timely support to help Adam reach his full potential. Meanwhile, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for children, families, and lifelong learning, Helyn Clack, noted that EHCP assessments adhere to national laws and are evaluated individually. She encouraged families with concerns to reach out directly for advice and assistance.
Looking ahead, government reform plans set to take effect in 2030 will change the way SEND support is allocated. Fewer children will qualify for EHCPs, which will instead be reserved for those with the most complex needs, while individual support plans (ISPs) will be introduced for all children with SEND—currently numbering over 1.8 million. Although some families and campaigners worry these changes might reduce legal rights to support, the government denies this. Complementing the reforms, new guidance has been issued to establish inclusion bases within mainstream schools—specialized spaces designed to provide focused teaching and specialist support. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed a vision where every child should have the opportunity to attend their local school alongside peers and receive a high-quality education. However, critiques from figures such as Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious About Autism, and Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT union, reflect concerns regarding the effective implementation of inclusion bases and the preparedness of schools and teachers to meet SEND needs amid heavy demands.
The Department for Education acknowledges that the SEND system has been under tremendous strain but maintains that their investment will better equip schools and teachers to support SEND pupils more effectively and intervene earlier. The reforms are intended to address longstanding issues in SEND provision and reduce disparities in support available across different areas
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