What do those affected by SEND reform think about the government's new plans?
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK government has unveiled its new plans to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England, sparking mixed reactions from those directly impacted by the changes. The proposed reforms include reassessing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as children transition between education stages, with EHCPs eventually being reserved for those with the most complex needs by 2035. New Individual Support Plans (ISPs) will be introduced, categorized into targeted, targeted plus, or specialist support. While the government has pledged £4bn in funding over three years and acknowledges the challenges faced by children with SEND, concerns are growing among parents, educators, and former students.
Ailith Harley-Roberts, whose daughter Thalia has Down’s syndrome, expresses worry that the reforms could erode children’s rights. She fears her daughter may lose access to necessary support as she approaches adulthood, particularly between ages 19 and 25. Kadeem Marshall-Oxley, a former SEND student with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), believes the changes could exacerbate challenges rather than resolve them. He highlights the importance of personalized support, which he says made a meaningful difference in his education but may be reduced under the new system.
Parents and advocates like Aimee Bradley are also concerned about the lack of concrete details in the government’s plans, particularly regarding legal protections and appeal processes. Bradley worries that weakened tribunal routes could leave families without recourse to challenge decisions they disagree with. These concerns highlight broader fears about the potential impact on children’s futures under the reformed system.
The reforms aim to streamline SEND provision and increase inclusivity by integrating SEND support into mainstream schools through SEND
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026