Ministers Urged to Maintain Support Plans for Children with Special Needs

An EHCP is a legally binding document that ensures children with special or educational needs receive appropriate support from the local authority. Full details of proposed changes are expected in October, with ministers not ruling out the possibility of scrapping education plans, emphasizing that no decisions have been made.

In a letter to the Guardian, campaigners expressed concerns that without EHCPs in mainstream schools, many children could be deprived of essential services or even lose access to education entirely. Signatories of the letter include charity leaders, professors, parents of children with special needs like actor Sally Phillips, and advocates such as broadcaster Chris Packham.

Speaking on the BBC, Phillipson emphasized the need to strengthen support for children, highlighting the importance of listening to various stakeholders to make informed decisions. Shadow minister O'Brien criticized the government for broken promises and lack of credibility.

Data from the Department for Education revealed an increase in the number of EHCPs, with a total of 638,745 plans in place in January 2025, marking a 10.8% rise from the previous year. The number of new plans initiated in 2024 also saw a 15.8% increase, reaching 97,747. Requests for EHCP assessments rose by 11.8% in 2023.

A Department for Education spokesperson clarified that there are no plans to abolish Send tribunals or reduce funding and support for children, families, and schools. They emphasized that any suggestion of potential loss of funding or support is inaccurate.

According to the source: BBC.