Full Breakdown
Government Reforms Aim to Address SEND Care Plan Backlog
2/15/2026, 8:20:10 PM
Overview of the Current Situation
The UK government is responding to a significant backlog in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) care plans, which has placed immense pressure on local councils. The Department for Education plans to hire over 600 additional educational psychologists by the end of the current parliamentary term to manage the increasing demand from parents seeking support for their children. As of January 2025, there were approximately 638,745 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), marking a 180% increase since the introduction of EHCPs in 2014.
Background and Context
The rise in EHCPs has led to severe financial strain on local authorities, with many warning of potential bankruptcy due to escalating SEND costs. Each EHCP reportedly consumes between 56 to 68 hours of staff time, diverting resources from frontline services. This situation has prompted the government to consider reforms, including the gradual removal of EHCPs starting in 2030, as part of a broader strategy to streamline the SEND system.
Proposed Reforms and Funding
In an effort to alleviate the backlog, the government has allocated £26 million to train at least 200 new educational psychologists annually from 2026 to 2027, building on a previous £31 million investment aimed at delivering 600 psychologists by 2029. Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould emphasized that the goal is to enable psychologists to spend more time directly supporting children rather than being "stuck behind desks" on administrative tasks.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the government's intentions, there are concerns regarding the proposed reforms. Critics argue that the transition to a reformed SEND system, which may make it more challenging for children to retain EHCPs, could negatively impact those with the greatest needs. Eight out of ten councils have indicated they may face insolvency due to mounting SEND deficits by March 2028, raising questions about the sustainability of the proposed changes.
Official Statements and Responses
The government has stated that the forthcoming white paper will emphasize earlier intervention in schools, aiming to embed SEND support more effectively. Gould noted that the funding will allow educational psychologists to work closely with schools to identify issues early and provide necessary training for staff.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is uncertainty regarding the financial implications of the SEND reforms, particularly concerning how the central government will absorb SEND deficits projected to reach £6 billion by 2028/29. Additionally, it remains unclear how many children will transition off EHCPs under the new system, with sources suggesting that only a small proportion will initially be moved to alternative statutory plans.
What's Next
The government is expected to release a consultation document alongside the Schools White Paper, outlining the proposed SEND reforms. This document will provide further details on the implementation of the new four-tier support system for pupils in mainstream schools and the introduction of digital passports to track children's needs throughout their education.
