Proposed Reforms to EHCPs: Implications for Parents and the Future of SEND Education

Recent discussions regarding potential changes to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) have raised significant concerns among families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The UK government is exploring reforms to the SEND system, with indications that EHCPs may be altered or potentially discontinued without a clear replacement framework. The emphasis appears to be on enhancing inclusivity within mainstream schools, but the lack of specificity about what might succeed EHCPs has sparked unease.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and easy to understand overview of the government’s current stance, outline the proposed changes, and also examine insights from prominent media sources. Our goal is to equip you with the information needed to understand these developments and their potential impact on your child’s education.

Understanding EHCPs and Their Importance

Education, Health and Care Plans, introduced under the Children and Families Act 2014, are legally binding documents that detail the specific educational, health, and social care provisions required for children and young people (up to age 25) with SEND. These plans replaced the previous “statements of special educational needs” and ensure tailored support, such as dedicated teaching assistants, specialised equipment, or placements in special schools. According to the Department for Education’s January 2025 data, over 638,000 children and young people in England currently benefit from an EHCP, a figure that has increased by 10.8% in the past year, underscoring the rising demand for such provisions.

EHCPs are particularly vital in mainstream schools, where 56.2% of pupils with these plans are educated. They provide a legal guarantee of support, enabling children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, or communication difficulties to access the curriculum alongside their peers. Without these plans, schools are not obligated to provide specific accommodations, which could result in inadequate support and potential exclusion from mainstream education.

The Government’s Current Position

The Labour government, in power since July 2024, has acknowledged that the SEND system is under significant strain. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has described the system as “broken” and “financially unsustainable” for local authorities. A 2024 National Audit Office report highlighted a 140% increase in EHCPs since 2015, contributing to local authority deficits exceeding £100 million in some cases. The government has allocated £740 million to support councils in creating additional specialist provisions within mainstream schools, such as SEND units, as part of its “Plan for Change” to enhance inclusivity and reduce reliance on costly special school placements.

However, the government has been ambiguous about the future of EHCPs. In a BBC interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Phillipson stated, “We are still considering all options,” when asked whether EHCPs would be retained. This lack of clarity has fuelled speculation about their potential abolition or restriction. Dame Christine Lenehan, the Department for Education’s strategic SEND adviser, has suggested at the Schools and Academies Show in May 2025 that EHCPs could be limited to special schools, arguing that many children in mainstream settings require “targeted educational support” rather than comprehensive health and care provisions. This proposal has alarmed families, as it could diminish legal protections for children in mainstream education.

Insights from Media Reports

Prominent publications such as The Guardian and Schools Week have closely followed these developments and ‘lead the charge’ so to speak, highlighting both the challenges and the potential risks of the proposed reforms. On 24 May 2025, The Guardian reported that the government is contemplating replacing EHCPs as part of a broader SEND overhaul. Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell declined to confirm the continuation of EHCPs, prompting concerns that their removal could strip thousands of children of their legal entitlements. Advocacy groups, including Special Needs Jungle, have warned that such changes could prioritise financial savings over the needs of disabled children, potentially leading to exclusion from mainstream education.

Schools Week, in its 15 May 2025 edition, noted that discussions are ongoing about restricting EHCPs to special schools, with mainstream schools expected to implement “reasonable adjustments” independently. Dame Christine Lenehan was quoted as saying, “We must be courageous in rethinking the system,” acknowledging the bureaucratic challenges but also the contentious nature of such reforms. The article highlighted that without additional funding or training, mainstream schools may struggle to meet the needs of SEND pupils, particularly if EHCPs are discontinued.

On 7 July 2025, The Guardian published a letter signed by over 100 campaigners, including notable figures such as Chris Packham and Sally Phillips, urging the government to preserve EHCPs. The letter argued that these plans represent a critical safeguard for disabled children’s educational rights, built on decades of legislative consensus. Similarly, Schools Week reported on 8 July 2025 that some mainstream schools are already reluctant to admit SEND pupils, citing EHCPs as evidence of unmet needs, which could complicate the government’s inclusivity agenda.

Potential Impacts on Your Child

The government’s vision of a more inclusive mainstream education system is commendable, but the uncertainty surrounding EHCPs raises significant concerns. If these plans are eliminated or confined to special schools, children in mainstream settings could lose access to legally guaranteed support. Schools would then need to fund accommodations from their general budgets, which are often insufficient. As The Guardian noted, nearly 1.3 million pupils receive SEND support without an EHCP, but parents frequently pursue these plans to secure consistent resources.

For instance, if your child relies on an EHCP for a teaching assistant or specialised equipment, its removal could place the burden on schools to provide equivalent support without legal obligation. Advocacy groups, such as the Disabled Children’s Partnership, have warned that this could undermine decades of progress in ensuring equitable education for disabled children. Furthermore, with special schools already at capacity—evidenced by a 22.5% increase in EHCP pupils educated in alternative provisions in 2025—the proposed changes could exacerbate exclusion risks.

Actions Parents Can Take

The government has committed to a “major consultation” on SEND reforms, expected in October 2025, offering an opportunity for parents to influence the outcome. To stay proactive, consider the following steps:

1. Stay Informed: Monitor updates from credible sources such as The Guardian (www.theguardian.com) (www.theguardian.com), Schools Week (www.schoolsweek.co.uk) (www.schoolsweek.co.uk), or organisations like the National Autistic Society. Joining advocacy groups like the Disabled Children’s Partnership can provide valuable insights.

2. Engage in Advocacy: The Save Our Children’s Rights campaign is mobilising to protect EHCPs. Parents can participate by signing petitions or sharing their experiences on platforms like X with hashtags such as #DefendSEND or #SaveOurChildrensRights.

3. Contact Your MP: With some Labour MPs expressing concerns about SEND reforms, reaching out to your local representative can amplify your voice. Request a meeting or write to highlight the importance of EHCPs for your child.

4. Connect with Others: Local SEND parent networks or online forums offer support and shared knowledge, helping you prepare for the consultation process.

Conclusion

While the government’s ambition to enhance mainstream school inclusivity is laudable, the potential reduction or elimination of EHCPs has raised significant concerns among parents and advocacy groups. As reported by The Guardian and Schools Week, the absence of a clear replacement framework risks undermining the legal protections that ensure tailored support for SEND pupils. The forthcoming consultation provides a critical opportunity for parents to advocate for their children’s rights.

For now, remain vigilant and engaged. Your input can shape the future of SEND education. For further details, refer to Schools Week for ongoing coverage, and consider joining the conversation to ensure that every child’s educational needs are met.