SEND Units in Mainstream Schools and Potential Changes to Individual Care Plans

SEND Units in Mainstream Schools and Potential Changes to Individual Care Plans

The Government is examining reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system that would increase specialist SEND units within mainstream schools and reduce the use of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Under the proposals, individual plans would continue for pupils with the most complex needs.

Officials state that the current system places significant demands on families and local authorities. They also note rising costs associated with private SEND provision. Campaign groups have expressed concerns about any reduction in statutory rights linked to EHCPs and have indicated they may challenge changes affecting legal entitlements.

Details of the reforms are expected in an upcoming (much delayed) white paper.

Data from the Department for Education indicates continued growth in the number of EHCPs and an increase in tribunal cases. Ministers have stated that no current support will be withdrawn, though some organisations remain concerned about the potential implications of replacing EHCPs with school‑based units.

The Lib Dem principles for considering any reforms are: 

1. Putting children and families first Children’s rights to SEND assessment and support must be maintained and the voices of children and young people with SEND and of their families and carers must be at the centre of the reform process.
2. Boosting specialist capacity and improving mainstream provision Capacity in state special provision must be increased, alongside improvements to inclusive mainstream provision, with investment in both new school buildings and staff training.
3. Supporting local government Local authorities must be supported better to fund SEND services, including through:
4. The extension of the profit cap in children’s social care to private SEND provision, where many of the same private equity backed companies are active, and
5. National government funding to support any child whose assessed needs exceed a specific cost.
6. Early identification and shorter waiting lists Early identification and intervention must be improved, with waiting times for diagnosis, support and therapies cut.
7. Fair funding The SEND funding system must properly incentivise schools both to accept SEND pupils and to train their staff in best practice for integrated teaching and pastoral care.