Overview
- Media reports say legal entitlements for children with moderate needs would be removed, with schools taking responsibility for support decisions.
- Parents could still appeal decisions, though the route reportedly would not involve the courts.
- Mainstream provision would be expanded, including £3 billion for schools, with reforms discussed for potential rollout in 2028 as the government assumes more SEND costs.
- Parents’ groups and some Labour MPs warn the mooted changes would erode enforceable rights and harm families.
- Demand and costs have surged, with more than 430,000 EHCPs, over 15,000 tribunal cases last year, and council SEND spending reported near £13 billion.