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The UK government has announced a significant investment aimed at making mainstream schools in England more accessible and supportive for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Over the next three years, £1.6 billion will be directly allocated to schools, early years settings, and colleges, while an additional £1.8 billion will fund greater access to specialist professionals such as speech and language therapists and specialist teachers. This funding forms part of a broader overhaul of the SEND system, with comprehensive school reform plans set to be revealed in full in the coming days.
Among the notable changes proposed is a reassessment of children’s education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) at key transition points—after primary school and following GCSEs. This shift could result in fewer pupils retaining EHCPs as they move into secondary education, with the first reviews under this system expected for Year 6 pupils in 2029. However, these plans have raised concerns among disability charities and campaigners, as parents worry that support might be withdrawn during critical periods when consistency is essential. New individual support plans (ISPs) with some legal recognition are also to be introduced across all SEND pupils.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, expressed skepticism about the adequacy of the funding, describing £1.6 billion over three years as “just a few thousand pounds per setting” and labeling it insufficient for fundamental system change. Conversely, Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies described the funding as a “reasonably significant change” but stressed the complexity involved in reforming the funding system to ensure resources effectively reach the schools most in need, highlighting the careful management required to avoid disruption to ongoing support.
Political leaders have defended the reforms, emphasizing a commitment to personalized support. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the changes will ensure families receive “tailored support built around their child’s individual needs, available on their doorstep,” promising equitable treatment regardless of background or location. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the reforms “a watershed moment” and reassured that effective support for children would not be withdrawn but rather enhanced with increased government spending. Meanwhile, education and disability organizations welcomed the principle of boosting funding yet underscored the necessity of ensuring the level of support is truly sufficient and well-targeted. Additionally, the government is investing £200 million into its largest-ever SEND teacher training initiative, aiming to equip every teacher with the skills needed to support SEND pupils better
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