🚨 Are EHCPs Being Replaced? What Parents Need to Know

You might’ve seen some worrying headlines recently about EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) being replaced — and sadly, they’re not just clickbait.

The government is already testing a new model in parts of the country where EHCPs are swapped for “SEND units” inside mainstream schools.

❓ What’s a “SEND unit”?

It’s a classroom or section inside a mainstream school for children with additional needs — grouped together, usually by diagnosis. Sounds familiar, right?

But here’s the catch: these children won’t have individual legal plans like an EHCP.

Instead, the unit has a general support framework — meaning your child’s needs are no longer recognised in a legally binding document. The specific therapies, hours of TA support, or specialist strategies your child needs might no longer be enforceable.

💥 Why this could be a disaster for many families

Let’s be clear: EHCPs aren’t perfect. But they are the only legal protection most families have. Without them:

• There’s no duty on the local authority to deliver specific support
• You can’t take the council to tribunal for failing to meet your child’s needs
• The school becomes the gatekeeper — not your child’s plan

The new approach seems focused on cost and convenience, not children.

And that’s the most worrying bit: they’re trialling this quietly — without wide consultation with families.

🧩 One-size-fits-all won’t work

Children with SEND don’t fit neatly into categories.

A child with ADHD doesn’t need the same strategies as one with sensory processing disorder. A child with PDA can be overwhelmed by the same approaches that help others thrive.

EHCPs allow for that nuance. “SEND units” risk erasing it.

🙋‍♀️ What can parents do?

• Stay informed – AskEllie will keep sharing updates in plain English
• Share the news – Many parents still haven’t heard this is happening
• Speak up – Write to your MP. Ask questions at school. Push for consultation
• Sign the petition – [Link to petition if you have one available]

💬 Final thoughts

This isn’t scaremongering — this is already happening.

EHCPs were never perfect, but they gave families a voice and a legal tool. If that’s removed, we risk going backwards to a time when support was patchy, vague, and often denied.

We’ll keep shouting about it — and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. AskEllie exists to make things clearer, and we’re with you every step.