The shadow education minister, Neil O’Brien, alongside notable figures such as actor and parent Sally Phillips and broadcaster Chris Packham, has expressed urgent concerns regarding proposed changes to education plans for children with special educational needs. With the government currently undertaking a review of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, now seems a pretty perfect time. Look for all these proposals to be made public this coming October.
According to the most recent figures available there were 638,745 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as of January 2025. This is an impressive jump of 10.8% over last year. This was especially marked because, at 97,747 new EHCPs starting in 2024, this had increased by an average of 15.8% annually from 2023. An EHCP is a statutory document enforceable by law. Most crucially, it ensures that children with special educational needs receive the support they require from their local authorities.
In spite of increasing demand for such plans, O’Brien lambasted the government for delivering what he called “broken promises and U-turns.” He specifically called out the government’s inability to recruit and retain teachers, as well as changes to their tax policy that penalized working families.
“This is a government defined by broken promises and U-turns. They said they would employ more teachers and they have fewer. They said they would not raise tax on working people but did,” – Neil O’Brien
The sign-on letter from non-profit heads and child development experts cautions that proposed modifications to the law would endanger essential rules for millions of children. Campaigners argue that without strong enough protections, thousands could lose access to vital education materials.
“Many thousands of children risk being denied vital provision, or losing access to education altogether,” – Campaigners (in a letter to the Guardian newspaper)
Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, has signalled her ambition to turn the government’s face towards making sure children get the support they need. She has devoted considerable time to meeting with parents, disability rights groups and campaigners to grasp the extent of what was happening.
“What I can say very clearly is that we will strengthen and put in place better support for children,” – Bridget Phillipson
Ministers haven’t ruled out the possibility of ripping up existing education plans. Their latest statements have made clear that, contrary to recent reporting, no decisions have been finalized. A Department for Education spokesperson reassured concerned parties that there are no plans to abolish SEND tribunals or reduce funding or support for affected families.
“We have been clear that there are no plans to abolish SEND tribunals, or to remove funding or support from children, families and schools,” – Department for Education spokesperson
Each time, campaigners have mobilized vigorously to defeat any attempt to change the laws. They are passionate about securing the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs. And that’s why they’re making the argument that families can’t afford to lose these critical legal protections.
“Whatever the SEND system’s problems, the answer is not to remove the rights of children and young people. Families cannot afford to lose these precious legal protections,” – Campaigners
