BCP Council pledges careful review of SEND changes
The Government has unveiled new proposals for an overhaul of the SEND system
The Government has released a white paper outlining planned changes to the system for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
BCP Council, which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, has given its reaction, after campaigning for significant changes to the SEND system.
As part of sweeping reforms unveiled by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, children with the most complex needs will continue to receive support plans, despite concerns about other young people potentially losing access to necessary assistance.
Phillipson pledged to remove the struggles parents often face in securing legally guaranteed support for children with SEND.
'No child should fear losing their support'
"The current system does not work," Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said.
"We want reforms under this Government to offer a better education for every child."
Children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the plans but insisted "no child should fear losing their support," vowing to work with the Government and families to make this a reality.
During a launch event for the Schools White Paper in Peterborough, Phillipson addressed misinformation, affirming that EHCPs for children with the most complex needs will continue.
"Forget the misinformation you might have heard. EHCPs for children with the most complex needs will stay, guided by nationally-defined and evidence-based specialist provision packages," Phillipson said.
She assured that the reforms will facilitate earlier support access through a £4 billion investment in the SEND system.
"Pressed on concerns around children losing support, we will take away that fight that so many parents have had over such a long period of time to get the support that should be much more readily available to their children," she said.
Department for Education budgets will be increased by £3.5 billion above previous plans in 2028/29.
Anna Bird, chairwoman of the Disabled Children's Partnership, expressed concern regarding plans to restrict EHCP access to "most complex needs" without defining the criteria.
"The proposals to restrict EHCP access are deeply concerning, especially without clarity on which children are considered to have complex needs," Bird said.
The policy proposes a new legal framework for individual support plans (ISPs) applicable to all children with SEND.
"This is dependent on individual need, not an arbitrary definition," Phillipson told reporters.
Further emphasizing the need for specialized support, Phillipson said, "For some children with autism, with the right level of support within mainstream they can thrive, can achieve."
'Extra funding will go a long way'
Luke Sibieta, research fellow at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, noted that the additional funding will help address a £6 billion budget shortfall projected by the Office for Budget Responsibility for 2028/29.
"The extra funding will go a long way toward closing the budget gap we've forecast," Sibieta said.
Education Committee chairwoman Helen Hayes called for "cast-iron guarantees" that children's rights would be strengthened through the reforms.
"Assessments for the new system, which will be consulted on for 12 weeks, will start in September 2029 with no changes to current support before at least September 2030."
Regardless of whether a new EHCP is developed, schools will be required to create an ISP for affected children.
The policy document states migration from an EHCP to an ISP does not restrict a child's right to mainstream placement.
"The transition should ensure the child's educational needs remain prioritized, with no undermining of their current support," Hayes said.
The rising number of EHCPs—amounting to 638,745 as of January 2025—has contributed to significant costs and deficits for councils.
Government projections expect about one in eight SEND children to shift from EHCPs to new plans between 2030 and 2035.
Ofsted will oversee ISP implementation by schools, and failure to meet standards could lead to management changes.
Outside of SEND, the Government aims to halve the disadvantage gap by the time children born under the current administration complete secondary school.
Bridget Phillipson emphasized the crucial role of recruiting and retaining skilled teachers and support staff in delivering these reforms.
"Recruiting and retaining brilliant teachers and support staff is absolutely critical to delivering a more inclusive system," Phillipson said.
BCP Council response
Councillor Richard Burton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, and Skills at BCP Council, responded to the announcement.
“For years BCP Council has been calling on government for a national overhaul of a SEND system that too often fails children and families and places unsustainable financial pressure on councils," Councillor Burton said.
"We recognise the government inherited this problem and we are pleased to see them taking steps to address it.
"However, meaningful reform depends on the detail and on ensuring that the right level of long-term funding is in place. Families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole deserve clarity and confidence in how these proposals will work in practice, and we will take the time needed to fully understand the implications.
“We will scrutinise these proposals closely and make sure we use every method possible including working with our local MPs on next steps.”
“Ultimately, we all want a system which is inclusive, financially sustainable and genuinely works for every child, young person and family and this remains our priority.”