Since the onset of the pandemic and with rising cost pressures, ministers have been under growing pressure not to cut education plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Education EHCP review has become a key battleground after campaigners warned that scrapping education, health and care plans would threaten the futures of thousands of young people across the UK.
An Education EHCP review has come about from parents worrying their children could lose access to the support that helps them thrive. These legally binding plans guarantee individual assistance, tailored teaching, and health funding. Thousands depend on them today. The Department for Education reports over 638,700 EHCPs in place as of January 2025, a rise of nearly 11% from last year, and 97,700 new plans started during 2024 alone.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the situation is a “complex and sensitive area” and while she wouldn’t rule out reform, pledged to “strengthen and put in place better support for children.” However, campaigners, ranging from nonprofit leaders to broadcasters such as Sally Phillips and Chris Packham, have been vocal. In a letter to the Guardian they warned that removing EHCPs would deny countless children vital provision and could even force them out of mainstream schools entirely.
Shadow education minister Neil O’Brien echoed those concerns, accusing ministers of making “broken promises and U-turns”, citing fewer teachers and higher taxes. Even the Department for Education, while stressing that there are “no plans to abolish SEND tribunals or remove support”, admitted the system was “inherited … left on its knees”.
London parents with children on SEND support are already reporting anxiety ahead of the October report, when full details of the Education EHCP review are expected. Families are bracing for changes but are clear that EHCPs remain “precious legal protections” – a phrase echoed in the letter by those who fear unilateral reform could do more harm than good.
An external independent review of SEND provision, hosted by the Institute for Government, notes that many local authorities are struggling to meet demand. See their full report here.
At its core, this Education EHCP review examines the difference between daily access to lessons and lifeskills support, or a family having to fight through appeals and tribunals. With so much at stake, campaigners insist change must protect every child’s right to education.
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