New SEND Proposals: What Parents Need to Know

The government is overhauling SEND support in schools to make it more consistent, accessible, and less stressful for families.

Key Points:

• Individual Support Plans (ISPs): From 2029, most pupils will get ISPs instead of EHCPs, with three levels of support—Targeted, Targeted Plus, and Specialist—depending on need.
• Support Closer to Home: Mainstream schools will have inclusion bases and some specialist hubs, reducing the need for long travel.
• Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCPs)Remain for Complex Needs: Children with significant needs keep legal protections and tailored specialist packages.
• Standardised Plans: ISPs and EHCPs will follow a digital format for easier transfers and clarity.
• Parental Involvement: Parents stay central, retaining rights to request schools and participate in planning.
• Teacher Training & Mediation: Extra funding will improve SEND training and reduce tribunal stress.

Existing duties and rights stay in place until the new legislation is passed, so families won’t see immediate changes.