Overview
- Councils anticipate a £6 billion high-needs funding gap by March 2026 as the number of EHCPs surpasses 638,700.
- Draft proposals would tighten evidence criteria for EHCPs and reserve statutory plans for pupils with the most complex needs.
- Expanded SEND units in mainstream schools will receive extra funding along with integrated specialist training for all teachers.
- SEND tribunal appeals reached 24,000 in 2024/25, with 99 percent of cases ruled in parents’ favour, highlighting persistent system bottlenecks.
- The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that bold SEND reforms may face political resistance but are essential to restore fiscal sustainability.