SEND Reforms 2026: Major Changes Coming to Special Needs Education - What Parents Need to Know
The government is preparing the biggest overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in over a decade. With a Schools White Paper expected within weeks, parents of children with additional needs should understand what's being proposed and how it might affect their families.
Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming changes.
Why Changes Are Happening
The current SEND system is under severe strain. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, government spending on special needs education will double between 2015 and 2028, yet outcomes for children aren't improving at the same rate.
The numbers tell a stark story:
Rising Demand
- 576,000 children now have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a 140% increase since 2015
- SEND funding has risen 58% to £10.7 billion since 2014
- Despite this investment, the National Audit Office says outcomes haven't improved proportionally
Financial Pressure
- Two-fifths of local authorities risk effective bankruptcy by March 2026
- Around £150 million was diverted from mainstream school budgets to SEND services last year
- The system has been described as "unsustainable" by the National Audit Office
Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies put it bluntly: "We have now reached crunch time. In the near term, ministers face a stark set of choices."
What's Being Proposed
While we're waiting for the full White Paper, the government has outlined its direction of travel based on five key principles:
1. Early Support Children should receive help as early as possible, rather than waiting for formal assessments and plans. This means more intervention at the first signs of difficulty, not after problems have escalated.
2. Local Provision Children should learn at schools close to home wherever possible. The government wants to reduce the number of children travelling long distances to specialist provision or being placed in expensive independent special schools.
3. Fair Resourcing Every mainstream school should be properly resourced to meet common needs. This includes £200 million to train all teachers in SEND and at least £3 billion to create 50,000 new specialist places within mainstream settings.
4. Evidence-Based Reform Changes will be grounded in what actually works, not ideology. The government says it has held over 100 engagement events with SEND stakeholders in what it calls "the biggest national conversation on SEND in a generation."
5. Shared Responsibility Education, health, and care services should work together more effectively. Too often, families find themselves caught between different agencies who don't communicate.
Schools Taking a Bigger Role
Perhaps the most significant change is that schools will take greater responsibility for assessing and supporting SEND pupils directly, rather than everything going through local authorities.
What This Could Mean in Practice:
Schools would assess children's needs and arrange support themselves, with parents dealing directly with the school rather than the local authority for many decisions.
Potential Benefits:
- Faster responses since schools know children already
- More personalised support from people who see your child daily
- Less bureaucracy for straightforward cases
- Earlier intervention before problems escalate
Potential Concerns:
- Schools become both decision-maker and provider, creating possible conflicts of interest
- Questions about whether all schools have the expertise for complex assessments
- Variation in quality between schools
- Resources may not follow the new responsibilities
What's Happening to EHCPs?
This is the question causing most anxiety among parents. Education, Health and Care Plans are legal documents that guarantee specific support for children with significant needs.
The Government's Position:
The Department for Education has stated clearly: "There are no plans to abolish SEND tribunals, or to remove funding or support from children, families and schools."
Officials added it would be "totally inaccurate to suggest that children, families and schools might experience any loss of funding or support."
What This Likely Means:
- Existing EHCPs will almost certainly be protected
- The EHCP system may evolve over time but isn't being scrapped
- Rights to appeal through tribunals will remain
- New frameworks may develop alongside existing protections
If your child currently has an EHCP, it's highly unlikely to be removed or downgraded as a result of these reforms.
Financial Changes from 2028
From 2028 onwards, SEND costs will be managed entirely within the overall government budget. This is significant because:
- Local authorities won't need to cover SEND costs from their general funds after 2027-28
- This should reduce the pressure that's pushed many councils towards financial crisis
- Central funding should provide more consistency across different areas
However, this doesn't mean unlimited spending. The government will still need to manage costs, which is partly why they're reforming how support is delivered.
Timeline: What Happens When
Early 2026:
- Schools White Paper published with detailed proposals
- Public consultation launched on the reforms
Throughout 2026:
- Consultation responses gathered and analysed
- Detailed plans developed based on feedback
2027:
- Legislative changes begin working through Parliament
- Schools start preparing for new responsibilities
2028 and Beyond:
- New funding arrangements take effect
- Reformed system begins full operation
- Transition period for existing arrangements
Realistically, major legislative changes won't take effect before 2027-2028 at the earliest. This gives time for proper consultation and preparation.
What Parents Should Do Now
If Your Child Has an EHCP:
- Don't panic. Existing protections are very likely to continue
- Keep all documentation and records of your child's needs
- Attend annual reviews as normal
- Stay informed as more details emerge
If You're Considering Applying for an EHCP:
- The current system remains in place for now
- If your child needs support, don't delay seeking assessment
- Applications made now will be processed under existing rules
For All Parents of Children with SEND:
- Engage with the consultation when it launches
- Talk to your child's school about their current support
- Join local parent carer forums to stay informed
- Contact organisations like IPSEA or Contact for independent advice
Questions to Ask Your Child's School
As reforms develop, it's worth understanding how your school currently supports children with additional needs:
- What training do teachers have in identifying and supporting SEND?
- How does the school's SENCO work with parents?
- What support is available without an EHCP?
- How will the school prepare for taking on greater responsibility?
- What specialist resources or expertise does the school have access to?
Looking Ahead
The government faces a genuine challenge. The current system isn't working well for many families, with long waits, complex bureaucracy, and inconsistent provision. But reform carries risks too, and parents are understandably nervous about changes to support their children depend on.
The key messages from government are that:
- This is about improvement, not cuts
- Existing protections won't be removed
- Schools will get more resources and training
- The aim is faster, more local support
Whether these promises translate into reality will depend on the details in the White Paper and how reforms are implemented. We'll continue to update parents as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child's EHCP be taken away? No. The government has explicitly stated that existing support and funding won't be removed. Your child's EHCP should continue as normal.
When will changes actually happen? Major changes won't take effect until 2027-2028 at the earliest. There will be consultation periods and transition arrangements.
Will I still be able to appeal decisions? Yes. The government has confirmed SEND tribunals will continue. Your right to challenge decisions remains protected.
What if my local school can't meet my child's needs? Specialist provision will still exist. The government is creating 50,000 new specialist places. Not every child will be in mainstream settings.
How can I have my say on the reforms? A public consultation will launch after the White Paper is published. Parent carer forums and SEND organisations will share information on how to respond.
Should I wait to apply for an EHCP? No. If your child needs support now, apply under the current system. Don't delay hoping for a better system later.
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Sources: Institute for Fiscal Studies, The Guardian, Department for Education
This article was last updated on 28 January 2026. Information is accurate at time of publication but may change as the White Paper is released.
