Overview

• In a BBC One film airing 6 October, the EastEnders actor examines how families pursue Education, Health and Care Plans to secure school support.
• Bright says her autistic, ADHD and dyslexic son was initially refused assessment until she threatened a tribunal, after which he was approved for an EHCP.
• Parents featured describe exhausting delays and costs to obtain provision, and reporting notes that families win the vast majority of SEND tribunal cases.
• Ministers are developing proposals to expand specialist units in mainstream schools that could alter the role of EHCPs, while the Department for Education says legal routes to extra help will remain.
• Independent analyses project SEND costs rising from about £17bn to £22bn by 2029 as the share of pupils with EHCPs has grown to roughly 5.2%, adding pressure on councils and families.