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In the coming weeks, the government is anticipated to present its plan for reforming the complex and vital system that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. This issue affects hundreds of thousands of families, and the SEND system regularly tops the concerns raised with MPs. Just last month, the prime minister noted that SEND matters are more frequently brought up in the House of Commons than any other topic, underlining the critical importance of the reforms.
There is considerable apprehension among some Labour MPs about the government’s intentions, particularly given past government errors on sensitive public issues like winter fuel payments and welfare. With recent internal questioning of the prime minister’s leadership, getting SEND reform right is even more imperative for the government. The situation is complicated by a significant trust deficit between parents and the government regarding SEND, with many families skeptical that changes will improve the system and fears it might deteriorate further.
The necessity for reform is widely accepted. Demand for SEND support has surged, with one in five children in England now requiring assistance, leading to stretched provisions and prolonged legal battles for families seeking help. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts more than a doubling in real-term spending on SEND by 2028–29 compared to 2015–16, yet local councils have accumulated debts as costs exceed budgets, raising alarms about a possible system collapse. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reportedly ready to address these challenges decisively, motivated by the conviction that reform is essential for providing proper support.
Government officials have proceeded cautiously, delaying the SEND reforms set out in the schools white paper while conducting consultations with parents and sector professionals. The preferred approach involves promoting inclusion within mainstream schools for children with special educational needs, supplemented by specialist schools for those with complex requirements. Recent funding commitments include £3 billion to increase mainstream places, £200 million for teacher training in SEND support, £1 billion for improving facilities, and a pledged £5 billion debt clearance for councils. Despite these measures reassuring some MPs, many remain watchful, especially over the fate of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), legal documents guaranteeing children’s right to support. The number of EHCPs has grown sharply, from 240,000 in 2015 to 639,000 in 2025. While some argue early mainstream support could reduce reliance on EHCPs, parents are anxious about losing legal protections, fueling campaigns like Save Our Children’s Rights. The government insists legal entitlements will not be removed but acknowledges potential reforms ahead. The overarching challenge remains for the government to enact meaningful and bold reforms under financial constraints while maintaining parental trust and political support
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