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UK SEND support to be reviewed after Primary School
Parents alarmed by idea of early years changes
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Monday 23rd February 2026 |
Leaked government plans reveal that children in England with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will face a reassessment of their support when moving from primary to secondary school.
From 2029, pupils with legally binding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will have their provisions reviewed during this critical transition.
The proposed overhaul aims to introduce school-led Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND.
Support will be divided into three tiers: Targeted, Targeted Plus, and Specialist.
While the Department for Education states this will expand rights and provide earlier help, the changes are expected to result in fewer pupils retaining comprehensive EHCPs.
Disability charities and parents have expressed deep concern.
Ambitious about Autism warned the reassessments would alarm families, noting that autistic pupils often struggle during school transitions.
Furthermore, the National Autistic Society criticised the government for leaking the plans, calling the approach disrespectful to anxious parents.
With local councils facing a projected £6bn funding shortfall for SEND provision, critics fear these reforms are driven by cost-cutting rather than the welfare of young people.
Full details are expected in an upcoming Schools White Paper.
Source: BBC News (UK)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2d041wl6po
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