The government has launched its latest consultation:
“SEND reform: putting children and young people first.” Department for Education
On paper, it promises earlier support, better outcomes, and a fairer system.
But for many parents, this isn’t reassuring — it’s worrying.
And if you’ve been following what’s coming, you’ll know why.
What the Government Says the Reforms Will Do
The proposals aim to:
- Provide earlier support without needing an EHCP
- Make mainstream schools more inclusive
- Reduce reliance on specialist placements
- Introduce a more standardised system of support
- Expand funding and specialist teams across schools
The government has also said:
- No changes to EHCP support will happen before 2030
- More support will be available without needing a legal plan
On the surface, that sounds positive.
But here’s where the concerns start.
1. The Fear Around EHCPs
One of the biggest concerns is this:
👉 Will EHCPs be reduced or phased out over time?
While they’re not being scrapped immediately, the direction of travel is clear —
moving support away from legally enforceable plans.
Many parents rely on EHCPs because they are:
- Legally binding
- Enforceable
- The only way to guarantee provision
Without that legal protection, support becomes discretionary.
And that’s where trust breaks down.
2. “Support Without EHCPs” Sounds Good — But Is It Real?
The idea is that children won’t need EHCPs because support will already be there.
But the reality right now?
- Schools are already overstretched
- Staff are undertrained
- Specialist support is limited
In fact, teachers themselves are raising concerns:
- 83% say there isn’t enough classroom support
- 69% say access to specialists is lacking
So parents are asking a very valid question:
👉 How can schools deliver more support, when they’re already struggling to deliver what exists now?
3. A Push Towards Mainstream — Without the Resources
The reforms focus heavily on:
👉 More children staying in mainstream schools
This includes:
- “Inclusion bases” in schools
- More local provision
- Reduced need for specialist placements
But parents are worried about:
- Class sizes already being too big
- Lack of trained staff
- Unsafe or unsuitable environments
Because inclusion without support…
isn’t inclusion.
4. Risk of Losing Specialist Support
Parents of children with complex needs are particularly concerned.
There are real fears that:
- Access to therapies could reduce
- Specialist input could be diluted
- Children could be expected to “fit” mainstream environments
One parent told Sky News they were:
“extremely scared” their child could lose support without an EHCP
And this is a common theme we’re seeing across the SEND community.
5. Legal Rights – The Biggest Red Line
Perhaps the most serious concern is around legal protections.
Over 100 organisations have already warned that reforms could:
- Weaken EHCP protections
- Limit access to tribunals
- Reduce accountability on local authorities
One proposal to remove appeal rights was already dropped after backlash —
which tells you how serious this issue is.
Because without legal rights…
👉 Parents lose their ability to challenge decisions
And history tells us — that’s when children fall through the gaps.
6. A System Already Under Pressure
Let’s be honest about where things are right now:
- EHCP numbers have surged massively
- Local authorities are struggling financially
- Parents already face long delays and battles
And surveys show:
👉 Parents without EHCPs are the least satisfied with support
So the fear is simple:
If the system isn’t working now…
how will reducing legal protections make it better?
What Parents Are Really Worried About
When you strip it all back, most parents are asking:
- Will my child lose support?
- Will I still be able to fight decisions?
- Will schools actually be ready for this?
- Or is this just about cutting costs?
Because many feel this isn’t just reform…
👉 It’s a shift of responsibility away from legal duty… onto already stretched schools
What Should Parents Do Right Now?
This is important:
✔ Nothing changes immediately
✔ EHCP rights still exist
✔ The system stays the same (for now)
But…
👉 This is the time to understand your rights properly
👉 And make sure your child’s needs are clearly evidenced
Because if changes come in the future,
the parents who understand the system best will be in the strongest position.
Final Thought
Reform isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The system does need fixing.
But reform only works if:
- It protects legal rights
- It funds schools properly
- It listens to parents
Right now… many families don’t feel confident that it does.
Need Help Navigating This?
If you’re confused, worried, or unsure how this could affect your child…
We help parents every day to:
- Understand their rights
- Strengthen DLA & EHCP applications
- Respond to schools and local authorities properly
👉 Come by and see us at AskEllie — we’re here to help you get clarity and support.
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