Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential backlash from his own MPs as the government proposes reviewing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support for pupils transitioning from primary to secondary school at age 11. The move aims to curb rising costs in England’s education system.

Key Reforms to SEND Provision

Under the planned changes, pupils with less complex needs, such as many cases of ADHD and autism, will lose eligibility for education, health, and care plans (EHCPs). These plans currently provide legal entitlements to additional support.

EHCPs will reserve for children with the most severe needs only. Other pupils will receive individual support plans categorized as ‘targeted’ or ‘targeted plus.’ The reforms take effect from the 2029-2030 academic year.

Schools will assume full responsibility for funding SEND provision, covering the current first £6,000 threshold previously handled by councils. The government pledges extra funding to train and hire specialized staff. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also plans to cap reimbursements private schools can claim from local authorities per pupil.

Phillipson schedules the formal announcement of these reforms for Monday.

Political Pushback and Concerns

Labour ministers recently engaged in efforts to reassure backbench MPs amid fears of rebellion. However, concerns persist. Jen Craft, Labour MP for Thurrock and a parent carer, describes the leaked plans as ‘deeply unhelpful’ and anxiety-inducing for families. She expresses cautious optimism about broader reforms but urges ongoing Department for Education engagement and legal safeguards.

Another Labour MP highlights SEND reforms as the top issue for backbenchers since taking office, with MPs preparing to assess the full package before deciding on action.

Shadow Education Minister Saqib Bhatti criticizes the approach as ‘completely chaotic,’ arguing it creates unnecessary confusion for children, families, and teachers.

Peter Watt from the National Autistic Society condemns the leaked rollout as showing ‘disrespect and lack of compassion.’ He warns that weakening families’ rights to challenge inadequate support remains unacceptable.

Expert and Campaigner Views

Former Education Secretary Lord Blunkett supports a radical overhaul, stating: ‘The alternative to careful and positive change following full consultation is to let the system simply fall apart. No one would benefit from that.’

Campaign group Save Our Children’s Rights calls the proposals an ‘absolute disaster,’ predicting some children will lack legally enforceable access to suitable education.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza deems it ‘ridiculous’ that children with lifelong disabilities must repeatedly fight for plans. She insists no child should lose current support, though the existing system fails many.

Escalating Financial Pressures

The reforms address a crisis where four in five local authorities risk bankruptcy due to soaring SEND expenses. The number of EHCPs has nearly doubled since 2016, with councils currently funding most provisions.

The Department for Education emphasizes that the changes aim to build ‘a better system for all families.’