Government urged to keep education plans for children with special needs

Ministers urged to keep education plans for children with special needs - BBC News

An important call has gone out from campaigners this month, urging the UK government to retain Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs and disabilities in mainstream schools. They are warning that removing them risks excluding countless students from vital support. 

EHCPs are statutory protections that unlock tailored resources, specialist input, and legal backing; support that your family, school and South West Learning knows to be life changing. With over 638,000 EHCPs in place in the UK as of January 2025, and with demand rising, it’s clear that these plans aren’t redundant - they’re essential. 

As a business who has a core aim to support students with SEND back into mainstream education, we understand the critical role of reliably funded, and personalised EHCPs. We believe the proposed reforms in the upcoming schools white paper should strengthen early support - not weaken legal rights or redirect students away from mainstream access.

Let’s unite to ensure that EHCPs remain at the heart of inclusive education, to help build the empowering learning environments that every child deserves.