Story perspectives

Charity Urges Reforms for Fairer Education Support System

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Sutton Trust report shows that 43.8% of children with Education, Health and Care Plans are eligible for free school meals, compared with 25.7%.
Wealthier parents are more likely to secure EHCPs and special school placements, creating a two-tier system.
The charity calls for urgent reforms to simplify the EHCP application process and to address funding shortages.
The charity states that support should not depend on a family's financial resources.

History

Historical Context

The Education Act of 1981 established a framework for special educational needs in the UK, mandating support for children with disabilities. By 1983, around 10% of children received special educational support, revealing systemic disparities. Today, a Sutton Trust report indicates that 43.8% of children with Education, Health and Care Plans are eligible for free school meals, underscoring the need for urgent reforms to address educational inequality.

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Story summary

The Sutton Trust report shows that 43.8% of children with Education, Health and Care Plans are eligible for free school meals, compared with 25.7%.
Wealthier parents are more likely to secure EHCPs and special school placements, creating a two-tier system.
The charity calls for urgent reforms to simplify the EHCP application process and to address funding shortages.
The charity states that support should not depend on a family's financial resources.

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