Britain23 February, 20263 min read
Government Publishes Schools White Paper Changing EHCP Eligibility and Introducing ISPs for All Children With SEND
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Introduce Individual Support Plans for all children with SEND Narrow EHCP eligibility to children requiring specialist-level support
10 outlets told this the same way.
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England's SEND reforms
The government has published a Schools White Paper described by LabourList as 'Every child achieving and thriving'. It sets out major reforms to England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, introducing statutory Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and planning a long transition away from the current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) model over the next decade. Perspective Media reports the package is backed by £4 billion and frames the changes as moving SEND pupils 'from sidelined and excluded to seen, heard and included'.
“The Government’s Schools White Paper sets out major reforms to England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, backed by £4 billion, and introduces a new legal plan type called individual support plans (ISPs).”
The BBC describes the reforms as a decade‑long transition with school‑led ISPs and says ministers stress more money will be spent on SEND. ITVX and The i Paper summarise the main shift as keeping EHCPs for the most complex cases while introducing ISPs for others. They forecast EHCP numbers to peak around 2029/30 before falling to about 4.7% by 2034/35.
Educational support reforms
The White Paper establishes a multi‑tiered support structure: universal, targeted, targeted‑plus (mainstream) and Special Provision Plans (SPPs) for the most complex needs, while ISPs become the statutory school‑led plans for those outside the highest tier. The i Paper describes a four‑tier system to be implemented from 2029 with phased transitions through 2035. Perspective Media and ITVX say ISPs will have statutory footing and will not require a formal diagnosis.
Officials and multiple outlets note the DfE projects EHCP numbers to peak around 2029/30 and then fall. They add that reassessments and transfers from EHCPs to ISPs are expected between about 2030 and 2035.
White Paper funding breakdown
The White Paper is backed by a multi‑billion pound package. Perspective Media and LabourList state the reforms are backed by £4 billion. ITVX and Nursery World report this includes a £1.6bn inclusive mainstream fund over three years and £1.8bn for an 'experts at hand' service to bring specialists into local areas.
“The Government’s Schools White Paper sets out major reforms to England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, backed by £4 billion, and introduces a new legal plan type called individual support plans (ISPs).”
Tes reports a related commitment of £3.7bn for new specialist places in mainstream and special schools and notes additional smaller investments such as £15m for an evidence base. These differing figures reflect how outlets break down or focus on specific line items within the overall package, and the sources' numbers are not identical. The BBC also highlights a fiscal context, reporting that the government plans to take on SEND costs from councils from 2028, which it says adds further pressure.
Responses to SEND reforms
Responses in the coverage are mixed and emphasise concerns about reassessment, accountability and whether the funding will reach front‑line early years and school staff. The BBC reports many parents and opposition figures are alarmed by reassessments and worry about losing legal protections tied to EHCPs. Nursery World quotes early years leaders welcoming early identification but warning that rhetoric must be matched by sustained investment and urging that funding reaches early years professionals.
Teaching unions flagged resources were insufficient. ITVX cites NASUWT and NEU warnings, and Nursery World quotes NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede calling the Inclusion Grant too small. LabourList frames the reforms against a background where EHCP numbers and SEND costs have risen sharply, citing the NAO’s warning of financial unsustainability.
Coverage of SEND reforms
Reporting shows clear differences in detail on accountability, placement and legal rights. Tes outlines changes to tribunal powers, saying parents will still be able to appeal EHCP decisions but tribunals will no longer be able to name a specific school or placement and parents cannot appeal the content of ISPs at tribunal. The i Paper says the reforms aim to resolve the “vast majority” of SEND disputes via independent mediation with tribunals as a backstop.
“Parents will still be able to appeal EHCP decisions and challenge local authorities’ refusals to carry out needs assessments or decisions about whether a child meets the threshold for specialist provision. However, tribunals will no longer be able to name a specific school or placement for a child, and parents cannot appeal the content/decisions of individual support plans at tribunal.”
Perspective Media, ITVX and LabourList emphasise transitional protections for children already on EHCPs, giving examples such as children in Year 3+ keeping EHCPs until at least 16 and reassessment timing around secondary transfer. Tes and The i Paper add proposed national inclusion standards, digital systems and independent expert panels to strengthen oversight.
