Context and Criticism of the Current SEND System
The United Kingdom’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework has come under intense scrutiny in recent years. According to the National Audit Office, the current provision of care and support for children with SEND is “financially unsustainable,” as demand continues to rise and budgets struggle to keep pace. Families, teachers and local authorities report long waiting lists for assessments, delays in securing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and inconsistent support across regions. These shortcomings have fuelled calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the entire SEND landscape.
Government Commitments and White Paper Delays
The Labour government, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson at the helm, pledged to publish detailed SEND reforms in the forthcoming schools White Paper. Initial briefings indicated a publication date in September 2025, pushed back to October. However, sources within the Department for Education (DfE) and Treasury now warn that further delays are looming. It is believed that policymakers are reconsidering the scale and pace of change to mitigate potential political backlash akin to the welfare reforms debacle earlier this year.
Political Backlash and Internal Concerns
Insiders tell PoliticsHome that a sharp reaction from Labour MPs over proposed cuts to welfare benefits forced the government to shelve planning and meet backbenchers to allay fears. A similar revolt over SEND could jeopardise progress on a flagship manifesto promise. The DfE and Treasury reportedly revisited funding settlements agreed earlier in 2025, sparking uncertainty in civil service circles. Proposals to reduce the number of EHCPs—which legally guarantee support—by encouraging mainstream school placements or on-site specialist units could trigger outcry from parents of children with complex needs.
Financial Implications and ‘Double Funding’
Transforming the SEND system requires significant investment. Last year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that integrating children with complex needs into mainstream classrooms would necessitate “a degree of double funding” in the short term. Local authorities would have to maintain existing specialist provisions while redirecting resources to new units or training mainstream staff. Without additional cash injections, schools risk being overwhelmed, undermining the quality of support for all pupils.
Expected Reforms and Proposed Measures
- Streamlined EHCP Process: Introducing clearer eligibility criteria to reduce bureaucracy and shorten assessment times.
- Mainstream Inclusion: Encouraging local schools to establish on-site SEND units, providing targeted support without full reliance on special schools.
- Tiered Intervention Framework: Focusing on early years and universal services to catch and address needs before statutory plans become necessary.
- Transparency and Accountability: Publishing regional performance data to highlight best practice and underperforming local authorities.
Proponents argue these measures will reduce overall EHCP counts without denying children access to support, while critics warn of unintended consequences for those requiring specialist care.
Voices from the School Leadership Community
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, told PoliticsHome he “would not be surprised” if the White Paper slipped again. He emphasised: “This is a huge undertaking at a time when the DfE has a great deal on its plate in terms of policy work and delivery. If taking more time ensures the reforms are robust, then that is preferable to rushing a plan that risks failing those it aims to help.”
Di’Iasio also highlighted the challenge of coordinating multiple policy strands in the autumn term—including accountability reforms, curriculum reviews and the FE White Paper—and warned of a “horrible muddle” without clear communication and sequencing.
Influence of the Deputy Leadership Contest
The Labour deputy leadership race adds further complexity. Bridget Phillipson is said to be cautious about releasing controversial SEND proposals before the contest concludes on 25 October. Any significant dissent among Labour MPs during the campaign could damage her nominee’s standing and risk reigniting rival factions ahead of a crucial reshuffle.
DfE Response and Ongoing Investments
A DfE spokesperson said: “This government inherited a SEND system left on its knees—which is why we are listening closely to families and teachers as we work to make sure more children can achieve and thrive in their local school. We’re already delivering change across the SEND system, including investing £740m to create more specialist school places and investing in earlier intervention for children with additional needs.”
Despite the official line, stakeholders remain anxious about the timing and substance of reforms. Many call for interim measures to ease existing pressures, such as ring-fenced funding for high-need pupils and stronger partnerships between schools and health services.
Next Steps and Stakeholder Engagement
With the White Paper’s release date undecided, parents, SEND professionals and local authorities are urging the DfE to accelerate engagement sessions. They want clarity on funding allocations, workforce development plans and how new guidance will translate into day-to-day practice in schools. A transparent timetable and phased implementation could help build confidence and reduce the risk of further postponements.
In the weeks ahead, all eyes will be on the DfE’s public communications and the deputy leadership results. A successful reform package hinges on balancing fiscal reality with educational and social justice priorities—no small feat for any government.