The key changes being made to special educational needs - at a glance
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK government has unveiled significant reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, aiming to streamline support for children with complex needs. Key changes include restricting EHCPs (education, health, and care plans) to only those with severe requirements by 2035, while introducing Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND. These reforms aim to ensure that support is delivered more efficiently, with a focus on meeting immediate needs without delays.
EHCPs, which currently cover about 5.3% of pupils, will be reassessed starting in 2029 and phased out over the next decade for those whose needs are less severe. This shift reflects concerns over rising demand and limited resources, with the government hoping to stabilize EHCP usage at its current level by 2035. Meanwhile, ISPs will serve as flexible, legally mandated documents outlining daily support for all children with SEND, including those without EHCPs. These plans will be reviewed annually and must involve parental input.
The reforms also introduce a tiered system of support: "targeted" help for mild to moderate needs, such as small group interventions or reasonable adjustments; "targeted plus" for more complex cases, offering specialist services like speech therapy and dedicated school spaces called "inclusion bases"; and "specialist support" for the most severe needs. This approach aims to better allocate resources while ensuring that all children receive the assistance they need without overburdening the system.
These changes highlight the government's commitment to modernizing SEND provisions, which have faced criticism for inefficiencies and delays in delivering support. By restructuring how needs are assessed and services are delivered, the reforms aim to create a more responsive and sustainable system. This focus on improving outcomes for children with SEND aligns with global trends toward inclusive education and reflects England's ongoing efforts to address gaps in special educational provisions.
For readers interested in world affairs, these changes underscore the broader importance of education policy in addressing social inequalities. Effective SEND systems are critical
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026