The current SEND System - removal of EHCPs will be detrimental to the wellbeing of our children.

The current SEND school system in England heavily relies on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to legally secure individualised support and funding for SEND children. EHCPs provide a clear, legally binding framework that ensures local authorities and schools meet each child's complex and specific needs to promote their educational achievement and wellbeing.

Recent government proposals to reform SEND support include removing or significantly restructuring EHCPs, aiming to encourage earlier intervention and shift more responsibility to mainstream schools.

However, this raises critical concerns. Without EHCPs, children could lose their legal rights outlines within the EHCP for tailored support, as there would be no formal plan guaranteeing resources or specialist input

This is especially problematic given the chronic shortage of funded specialist provision schools and alternative education providers. This will not change overnight and removing EHCPs is like removing a buoyancy aid for a non swimmer and allowing them to drown.

The removal of EHCPs risks pressuring schools to provide extensive support without adequate funding or statutory backing, which could overwhelm SEN coordinators and staff and lead to inconsistent provision across schools. Parents may then feel forced to seek more costly independent education or legal routes to secure support, which increases strain on families and the system

Importantly, the loss of EHCPs could exacerbate educational inequalities and damage the wellbeing of SEND children. Evidence shows that inconsistent support contributes to increased absenteeism, reduced academic performance, social isolation, and mental health challenges among SEND pupils. For many, regular, well-funded, and well-coordinated support under a clear legal plan is essential not just for educational outcomes but also for emotional security and social inclusion.

Funding pressures compound these risks. Although national SEND funding has increased substantially in recent years, the surge in children with EHCPs has outpaced available resources, leaving many local authorities in deficit and creating backlogs in assessments. This also highlights the concerns around the delays in accessing services such as Speech and language services, Occupational Therapy Services and vital diagnoses that is required to ensure children are correctly supported and tailored learning and wellbeing plans to ensure children can thrive.

Removing EHCPs without boosting specialist provision or funding intensifies the risk that children’s complex needs remain unmet.

EHCPs currently form the backbone of the SEND system, protecting children’s rights and ensuring coordinated support. Their removal without adequate alternative provision and funding will likely cause significant detriment to both the education and wellbeing of SEND children, undermining the legal clarity that parents, schools and local authorities rely on to meet these children's needs effectively.

The government should be creating a system overhaul that ensures a fair distribution of funds without a postcode lottery depending on the area a child is born.

Every child deserves the support and provision to ensure they can thrive within their education journey and beyond.