It’s been a chaotic few months in the world of SEND — from proposed reforms to shocking council behaviour. If you’ve been busy just surviving (we get it), here’s your catch-up of everything that matters.
⚖️ 1. Councils Saying “No” to EHCPs Because of Cost (BBC News, July)
Let’s start with what’s got everyone talking:
A council in Herefordshire tried to deny an EHCP based purely on financial cost — not the child’s legal right or need.
🔗 Why it matters:
This is unlawful. EHCPs are not optional if your child needs one — no matter the price tag. But it’s a worrying sign of what’s coming as more councils hit financial crisis points.
👊 What you can do:
- Ask for council decisions in writing
- If they cite cost, you have grounds to challenge
- Use AskEllie.co.uk to help write back in plain English
📉 2. The 2025 SEND Reforms: Delays, Dilution & Confusion
The government’s long-promised SEND reforms are still unclear. While the DfE claims the aim is to create “consistency,” many parents fear it means less legal protection and more postcode lotteries.
👀 What we know:
- EHCP “standardisation” trials are happening in pilot areas
- The goal is “digital EHCPs” and national templates
- Concerns are rising that individual needs will be ignored in favour of system-led decisions
💬 What parents are saying:
“If they scrap the legal bit, councils will do even less than they already do. EHCPs are barely enforced as it is.”
🚨 3. Section 19 Failures Continue to Spike
Section 19 of the Education Act says that children who can’t attend school must still get a suitable education — but families across the country are reporting months (or years) with no provision.
⛔ No tutors
⛔ No plans
⛔ No education
📌 What to do:
AskEllie has a built-in Section 19 explainer and draft response tool if your child is out of school. Use it before things escalate.
🧠 4. CAMHS & Assessment Waits Still in Crisis
Many families report that ADHD and autism assessments are now taking 2–4 years in some NHS regions. Some parents are being told that private reports won’t be accepted, or are having them ignored by schools and LAs.
📣 Parent feedback:
“Clinical Partners took months, got our daughter’s age wrong, and then blamed the questionnaires.”
🔍 Keep everything in writing. If you’ve been messed around by providers or told you must go private, AskEllie can help you draft formal complaint letters.
🛑 5. Attendance Pressure is Ramping Up Again
We’re seeing a sharp rise in School Attendance Orders and threats of fines — even for children with EBSA, anxiety, or unmet needs.
⚠️ Some parents are being dragged to court when:
- Their child has school-based anxiety
- The LA refuses to assess for an EHCP
- Or Section 19 has been ignored entirely
👉 Know your rights. If your child is out of school due to SEND needs, you should not be punished. Use Ellie to get advice tailored to your situation.
✅ 6. Parents Are Fighting Back — And Winning
In all this chaos, there’s hope:
- More parents are taking councils to tribunal and winning
- Grassroots groups like Square Peg, Not Fine in School, and others are gaining real momentum
- MPs and public figures are starting to listen
Even Baroness Longfield — former Children’s Commissioner — is now actively engaging with parents and supporting tools like AskEllie.
💬 Final Thoughts
The system is tough — but you’re not alone. Whether it’s fighting for an EHCP, waiting on assessments, or just trying to survive another school term, there is help out there.
🛠️ Use AskEllie.co.uk to:
- Understand your rights
- Push back against unfair decisions
- Draft letters in plain English
- Get clear answers when the system gets overwhelming
❤️ We’re here for you. One step at a time.
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