Proposed SEND Reforms Explained: What Parents Need to Know (and What Isn’t Changing Yet)

Over the last few days you may have seen news reports about changes to SEND support in England, including suggestions that EHCPs may be replaced.

Families may understandably feel uncertain following recent media coverage. At present, the government has published proposals, not new law. A consultation period is now taking place and the current SEND system, including EHCP processes and school responsibilities, remains unchanged.

However, the proposals do show the direction the SEND system is likely to move in over the next few years. This article explains, in clear language, what is being suggested and what it could mean for your child.

Why the government wants to change the SEND system

Many families already know the difficulties of the current system. Parents often describe:

• long waiting times

• repeated referrals

• schools struggling to access help

• needing to fight for support

• very different support depending on where you live

The number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has increased rapidly, and local authorities are struggling to keep up. The government’s aim is to create a system where children receive support earlier, without families needing to go through long legal processes first.

The biggest proposed change: Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

The proposal introduces something new called an Individual Support Plan (ISP).

An ISP would be a personalised plan for every child with SEND, even if they do not have an EHCP. The intention is that children could receive structured support in school without parents needing to obtain a legal plan first.

At present, over a million children with SEND have no legal entitlement to support. The government hopes ISPs will give schools a clear duty to provide help.

Examples of support an ISP might include:

• communication support

• sensory strategies

• adjustments to the classroom

• structured teaching approaches

• targeted interventions

Are EHCPs being removed?

EHCPs are not currently being removed. The proposals suggest they would continue for children described as having more complex needs, although this term has not yet been clearly defined in legislation.

The government has indicated that existing plans would not end suddenly, and any future changes would be introduced gradually over time. However, as this is still a consultation, the final structure of the system is not yet known.

What is still unclear

At present, several important details have not yet been specified, including:

• how “complex needs” will be defined

• how support levels will be decided

• what resources schools will receive

• how specialist services will be delivered consistently across areas

These details will significantly affect how the proposals work in practice and are likely to be a focus of the consultation period.

SEND Reforms: What We Know So Far.

Will diagnosis still matter?

Yes, but its role may change.

Historically, many families have needed a diagnosis to access support. The proposed system aims for schools to provide support based on a child’s needs rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis.

In practice, diagnosis is still very important because it:

• helps a child understand themselves

• guides the right strategies

• informs school support

• supports transitions (especially secondary school)

• helps prevent misunderstandings about behaviour

The difference is that diagnosis may become less of a legal gateway and more of a way to guide the right support.

Will schools have to do more?

Yes.

Schools would be expected to:

• identify needs earlier

• provide support sooner

• follow national SEND standards

• access specialist advice

The government is proposing local specialist teams (including speech and language therapists and SEND specialists) that schools could consult even without an EHCP.

Many professionals are supportive of earlier help. However, a key question remains whether enough staff and funding will be available to make this work.

What does this mean for parents right now?

For now:

Nothing changes.

EHCP processes remain exactly the same.

Schools still follow current SEND law.

Assessments and diagnoses are unchanged.

The proposals will now go through consultation and may be altered before any legislation is introduced. If changes happen, they will also be introduced gradually over several years.

What should parents do now?

At this stage, no immediate action is required from families.

If you already have an EHCP, the current system remains in place.

If you are considering assessment or support for your child, the proposals do not affect your child’s present needs or the benefits of understanding how they learn and experience the world.

The consultation and any future legislation will take time. Updates are likely to occur gradually over several years rather than suddenly.

How CADS can help

At CADS (Clinical Autism & ADHD Diagnostic Services), we aim to help families and schools understand a child’s strengths, differences and support needs in practical terms.

Our assessments provide clinical understanding and guidance for support across home and education settings. We will continue to share clear information as national guidance becomes more defined, so families can make informed decisions.

If you would like to discuss whether an assessment may be helpful, you are very welcome to contact us.