News Article

The SEND system in England is at a crossroads. Over a decade since its design, rising demand, costs, and fragmented delivery have created a system under pressure. With nearly 640,000 children holding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and over a million more potentially supported through school-led Individual Support Plans (ISPs), the upcoming Schools White Paper signals the most significant reforms in years.

Leaked details suggest children moving from primary to secondary school will face formal support reviews, with EHCPs reserved for the most complex needs. A tiered system – Targeted, Targeted Plus, Specialist – aims to provide legally backed support while expanding flexible, school-led interventions, promoting earlier and more inclusive support. For schools and local authorities, these changes could ease pressure on overstretched processes and reduce reliance on costly out-of-area placements.

Parents, advocacy groups, and local authorities alike are calling for clarity, fairness, and equity. Early intervention, mainstream inclusion, and collaborative delivery will be critical to success.

At Candesic, we continue to monitor developments closely, supporting partners in navigating operational and strategic implications. The White Paper presents a real opportunity to transform SEND provision – but only if implementation matches ambition and keeps children at the centre.