In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about the UK Government's proposed SEND reforms and what they might mean for families like ours.

Key Takeaways

Understanding EHCPs: An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legal document that outlines a child's special educational needs and the necessary support for their educational journey.

Rising Demand: The number of EHCPs has significantly increased, with 638,745 in place as of January 2025, reflecting a 10.8% rise from the previous year, highlighting the growing demand for support.

Concerns About Reforms: There is considerable concern that the upcoming SEND reforms may reduce support rather than improve the system, especially given the government’s acknowledgment that local authorities are struggling to meet demand.

Legal Protections: Many families fear that proposed changes could eliminate essential legal protections currently provided by EHCPs, which are crucial for ensuring children receive the support they need.

Impact of Delays: Families often experience delays in securing EHCPs, with only 46.4% of new plans issued within the statutory timeframe of 20 weeks, leading to unmet educational needs.

Emotional Toll on Families: The process of securing an EHCP can be overwhelming, contributing to stress and burnout for families, who often feel they are fighting an uphill battle for their children's rights.

Consequences of Exclusion: Statistics indicate that permanent exclusions from schools have risen by 39%, disproportionately affecting children with SEND and leading to significant emotional and academic consequences.

Teacher Training Needs: Many teachers report a lack of adequate training to support children with SEND, impacting classroom management and the overall learning environment.

Investment in Support: Investing in early support and adequate resources for both children and educators is essential for fostering a productive and inclusive educational environment.

Call to Action: Parents and carers are encouraged to advocate for their children's needs by engaging with local MPs, participating in consultations, and joining community efforts like the Fight for Ordinary SEND Rally to ensure their voices are heard.

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Transcript

Victoria Bennion: [00:00:00] Today

we're talking about a topic that's been on many parents' minds, the

UK government's proposed send reforms, and what they might mean

for families like ours.

Natalie Tealdi: To start things off, let's define what an EHCP is

and why it matters. An EHCP or Education, health and Care plan is a

legal document that outlines a child's special educational needs and

the support that they must receive at school and beyond.

Victoria

Bennion: Yeah. The thing is that these plans are essential

because they ensure that children receive the necessary support to

thrive. However, the possibility of eh HCPs being scrapped has like

understandably left so many of us feeling anxious about the future of

our children. Eh, HCPs aren't often something that are easy to get

and a lot of families have fought really hard to secure them.

Natalie

Tealdi: So what's changing? The government has stated that

the send system is on its knees and that local authorities are

struggling to meet. Demand [00:01:00]

reforms are expected to be announced in October, but there's

considerable concern among parents and professionals that these

changes could reduce support rather than address existing problems.

Victoria

Bennion: Yeah, that's a significant worry. An EHCP is a

legally binding document that ensures children and young people with

special educational needs in England receive appropriate support from

their local authority. It's vital for their educational journey and

overall wellbeing.

Natalie

Tealdi: Definitely full details of the proposed changes

are due in October, but ministers have not ruled out scrapping the

education plans altogether, insisting that no decisions have been

made yet. This uncertainty is particularly troubling, especially in

light of recent welfare changes prompted by a rebellion among back

bench labor mps.

The education secretary

indicated that this has made future spending decisions harder, which

just adds to the anxiety

Victoria

Bennion: right, and, the numbers tell a compelling

[00:02:00] story. Data from the

Department for Education released in June showed that the number of

EH HCPs had increased significantly in January, 2025. There were ,

638,745 eh HCPs in place, reflecting a 10.8% increase from the

previous year.

Natalie

Tealdi: and it doesn't end there. The number of new plans

initiated during 2024 grew by 15.8% compared to the previous year

reaching 97,747. Requests for children to be assessed for eh HCPs

rose by 11.8% to 154,489 in 2023. Just illustrating the increasing

demand for support, which local authorities are struggling to manage.

Victoria

Bennion: A spokesperson from the Department for Education

has attempted to reassure us stating we have been clear that there

are no [00:03:00] plans to abolish, send

Tribunals, or to remove funding or support from children, families,

and schools. However, many of us remain skeptical given the ongoing

challenges.

And earlier today, Nat, you

sent me the response to the government's petition that we signed, the

retain legal right to assessment and support in education for

children with SEND. I think what's really important here is reading

between the lines in what they say. So you know, they open with.

There will always be a legal right to additional support for children

with Send.

No decisions have been made on

changes to legislation. We are engaging with families on improvements

to send provision as part of our Plan for Change. We're determined to

improve the system of support for children with Send and their

families. We are working to restore families' trust by ensuring early

years schools and post 16 settings have the tools to better identify

and meet need earlier, and ensure more children and young [00:04:00]

people can receive their education in inclusive, mainstream settings

with their peers.

We are committed to. I think

this is the bit you willing need to listen to ensuring a legal right

to additional support for children and young people with sand,

ensuring all children and young people have the support they need to

achieve and thrive improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream

schools, as well as ensuring swift access to special schools for

children and young people with the most complex needs.

That's what's causing me

massive concern. That sounds to me that . Only children that are

deemed to have complex needs deemed by whom you know, and the rest is

the plan just to keep them in mainstream school because I very much

doubt that my son or even your son And many other children would be

deemed to have complex needs.

Neither can they access

[00:05:00] mainstream schools. So where

does that leave them? I will carry on and, and read the rest of the

letter. So the next bullet point and we are committed to is restoring

confidence in the system of support for children and young people

with send so that they all get the chance to achieve and thrive in

their education.

Any changes we make will

improve support for families, stop parents from having to fight for

support and protect effective support currently in place. Details of

the government's intended approach to strengthening the Send System

will be set out in a school's white paper in the autumn. As part of

developing our approach, we are working with parents and young people

organizations, which represent parents, local authorities, send

organizations and education settings across the country as well as

sector experts, we share the widespread view that improvements to the

send system are badly needed. The forthcoming consultation on the

white paper [00:06:00] will be key to

shaping the reforms of the send system so that every child and young

person so achieve and thrive, and we continue to break down barriers

to opportunity.

Natalie

Tealdi: While the

increase in eh HCPs is a positive sign, it underscores the urgent

need for adequate resources. Since their introduction in 2014, the

number of children and young people with EHC plans has consistently

risen. However, the percentage of plans issued within the statutory

timeframe of 20 weeks has decreased.

In 2024, only 46.4% of new EHC

plans were issued on time, which is down from 50.3% in 2023.

Victoria

Bennion: These statistics are concerning. They indicate

that despite more children being recognized as needing support, the

system is struggling to deliver the support promptly. Families often

find themselves waiting with their children's educational [00:07:00]

needs going unmet.

Natalie

Tealdi: This is just so frustrating. The percentage of

requests that led to an assessment has also slightly declined. 65.4%

of requests of assessments proceeded in 2024, down from 67.3% the

previous year. This contributes to the anxiety and uncertainties

family experience as they navigate the system.

Victoria

Bennion: It is a challenging situation. Many parents have

witnessed firsthand the delays, the underfunding, the gaps in the

mental health services like cams. And the concern is that instead of

addressing these systemic issues the government might eliminate the

very protections families depend on.

Natalie

Tealdi: That's the crux of the issue. Families are already

facing significant challenges, and the thought of losing essential

support is really distressing. We need to keep advocating for the

rights of our children and ensure that their voices are heard in this

ongoing discussion.

So let's explore why e

[00:08:00] HCPs are crucial. We began

the process for getting our son's ZHTP while he was in mainstream

school before his diagnosis. This was after he had struggled so much

in the first year at school where he was mostly outside for the whole

day, and also on a reduced timetable. His ZHCP is reviewed annually

and it's such a valuable document.

It's something that teachers

and other professionals can refer to so they can understand our son's

needs in a lot of detail. So, as an example, he has a new teacher

this year and she's able to look at his ZHCP to understand his

profile, any difficulties he has, his stage of education and

development. The annual reviews are a great way to check.

He's being fully supported and

to track his progress and set goals for his future. If he didn't have

that document, I'd be concerned and anxious about him getting the

support he needs so that he can succeed in school. It holds everyone

accountable. If we didn't have that and [00:09:00]

perhaps he wasn't being supported in the right way, his education

could fall apart really quickly, which could have a really big impact

on his future.

Victoria

Bennion: I really echo what you've said here for my son

too. His EHCP is essential to ensuring his needs are met. It's scary

to think what could happen to him without it.

It underscores the importance

of timely and appropriate support for our children. I mean, there's

so many stories of families who are made to wait years for an EHCP

leaving their children, you know, completely out of school during

that time. We know from our community that waiting lists and delays

leave families struggling to find resources.

Natalie

Tealdi: Exactly. This situation is about more than just

education. It directly impacts our children's wellbeing. Statistics

show that permanent exclusions from schools have risen by 39%

disproportionately affecting children with send these exclusions can

lead to severe [00:10:00] academic and

emotional consequences. I mean, we have experience of the impact of

suspensions and they can be so damaging to the child.

Victoria

Bennion: When children are excluded, as I know you've

experienced Nat, they often face isolation, anxiety, and a sense of

hopelessness. Many miss out on essential social interactions, which

are vital for their development. It's not just that it's a loss of

education. It's a loss of stability and connection as well.

Natalie

Tealdi: It really does make me cross that this happens to

children of 5, 6, 7 years of age, and the reason is they are not

being supported in the way that they need to be. Teachers just don't

have the knowledge and skills that they need.

When eh HCPs are implemented

effectively, they can transform outcomes. They provide safe pathways

to school and access to teaching assistance, which are crucial for

helping navigate their education environment. Families report that

having an EHCP means their child receives [00:11:00]

tailored support, whether it's specialized teaching methods therapy,

or other accommodations.

Victoria

Bennion: Yeah, that's right. E HCPs also ensure that

children can access specialist services, including speech and

language therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health support.

Without these essential provisions, children may struggle to reach

their full potential, which is so sad.

Natalie

Tealdi: The legal protections associated with eh HCPs

empower parents to advocate effectively for their children. They

create a framework for accountability, enabling families to challenge

inadequate provisions. Without these protections, parents

often feel overwhelmed and powerless.

Victoria

Bennion: And we must acknowledge the emotional toll this

process takes on families. The stress of navigating the system as we

well know, along with worries about their child's future. It can just

be so overwhelming. Families find themselves [00:12:00]

tirelessly advocating for basic support, which can lead to burnout

and feelings of isolation.

We see it everywhere.

Natalie

Tealdi: Yes, this is so true. We hear from parents who

feel like they're engaged in a relentless battle. Securing an EHCP is

often fraught with challenges from paperwork to meetings, and delays

can be incredibly frustrating. Despite documented needs, the system

often fails to deliver timely support.

Victoria

Bennion: And the longer families wait for an EHCP, the

more detrimental the impact on their children's development. We know

early intervention is key delays can lead to missed opportunities

causing children to fall further behind their peers with long lasting

consequences.

Natalie

Tealdi: The ripple effects extend beyond education into

mental health, social skills, and even physical health. Children

without appropriate support are at a higher risk of developing

anxiety and depression, creating a cycle that we desperately need to

break.

Victoria

Bennion: So it's [00:13:00]

clear that when ECPs function as intended, they do provide crucial

support and pathways to success. But when they fall short, the

consequences can be dire, not only for the child, but for the entire

family.

Natalie

Tealdi: We must continue advocating for a system that

works for all families, ensuring that every child receives the

support they need, the stakes are too high to ignore this issue. It's

essential that we keep the conversation going and push for meaningful

reforms that truly address our children's needs.

Now, while the government

often discusses the financial implications of eh HCPs, let's consider

the broader costs of not providing these essential plans. What are

the repercussions?

Victoria

Bennion: That's a vital question. When parents are

compelled to leave work to care for their children, it impacts not

just their family, but also the economy at large. The loss of tax

revenue from parents stepping away from their careers is significant

and places [00:14:00] additional strain

on public services.

Natalie

Tealdi: Absolutely. The immediate financial burden is just

the tip of the iceberg. We must also consider the long-term

consequences. Families who struggle to secure appropriate support

often face higher health and social care costs later.

For instance, the children

without adequate support are more likely to experience mental health

challenges, which can lead to increased demand for healthcare

services.

Victoria

Bennion: Exactly long-term...