The number of children receiving special educational needs support through Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) in England has reached a record high, marking the largest yearly increase since their introduction. This surge occurs as the government proceeds with reforms aimed at reshaping the support system for these students.
For families like Karen Quinn's, securing an EHCP is a critical step. Quinn is currently navigating the process for her 11-year-old son, Adam, who has autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Adam, described as bright but struggling with writing and emotional regulation, faces a transition to secondary school in September. Quinn submitted paperwork for an EHCP in February, with the council agreeing to assess Adam in May, but she expressed concern that the plan might not be finalized before his transition.
"It's not massive delays, but every delay is going to impact the transition to high school," Quinn stated, emphasizing the importance of timely support for her son to achieve his potential.
Helyn Clack, cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning at Surrey County Council, noted that EHCP assessments are governed by national legislation and handled on a case-by-case basis, encouraging families with concerns to contact the council directly.
Government Reforms and Future Plans
Under the government's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform plans, released in spring, the qualification criteria for EHCPs are set to change from 2030. The intention is for fewer children to qualify for EHCPs, with these reserved for those with the most complex needs. Instead, all children with SEND, currently over 1.8 million, will receive individual support plans (ISPs).
Concerns have been raised by families and campaigners that these reforms could reduce legal protections for support, though the government maintains this is not the case. The government's consultation on these reform plans concluded in May.
Inclusion Bases and Teacher Training
New guidance has also been issued on establishing inclusion bases within mainstream schools. These are described as dedicated spaces offering targeted teaching and specialist support, intended to address inconsistent provision and prevent children with SEND from feeling excluded. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated her belief that all young people should have access to a high-quality education at their local school.
However, some organizations have voiced uncertainty about the effectiveness of inclusion bases. Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious About Autism, shared that children consulted expressed concerns that these bases might lead to further separation rather than inclusion. The NASUWT teaching union criticized the government for releasing guidance on inclusion bases before publishing its response to the SEND consultation, arguing that schools and teachers are being burdened without clear expectations.
The Department for Education acknowledged that the SEND system is