SEND Overhaul Sparks Parent Backlash as Ministers Defend Inclusion Plans
The Schools White Paper would reserve education, health and care plans for the most complex cases and push most support into mainstream classrooms, but campaigners fear the changes will strip away hard-won legal protections for disabled children.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·
“”
- EHCPs would be reserved for the most complex cases
- New digital Individual Support Plans for less complex needs
- Four tiers of support: universal, targeted, targeted plus, specialist
- Every school to publish an inclusion strategy
- Existing EHCPs and protections to remain in place until 2030
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by Schools Week. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.
You may also like to read
Teachers Edge Towards Summer Strikes as Government Prepares Pay Verdict
With 96 per cent of National Education Union members rejecting an unfunded 6.5 per cent offer spread over three years, ministers face a fraught decision on the 2026 pay award that could trigger the first national school strikes since 2023.
School Phone Ban Gains Legal Teeth as Statutory Duty Comes Into Force
From 29 June, state schools in England must have regard to government guidance making them mobile-free by default, with Ofsted set to check policies at every inspection in a move ministers say will protect learning and wellbeing.
Councils raid reserves to cover soaring social care costs as funding gap grows
A widening funding gap and relentless demand for adult social care and SEND services are forcing councils to drain emergency savings, with leaders warning that half of authorities may need a government bailout within three years.
Half a Million More Children to Get Free School Meals From September
Every pupil in a household on Universal Credit will become entitled to a free school lunch from the new academic year, in the biggest expansion of the scheme in years, as councils urge families to reapply before the changes take effect.