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The 2026 SEND Reform and Your EHCP Rights.
Learn more about the 2026 SEND Reform, how your EHCP rights are affected and what these proposals could mean for you and your child.
If you are a parent with a child who has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you might feel anxious when new policy changes are announced. The language can be hard to follow, and it’s natural to worry about what these changes might mean for your child.
Here’s what’s happening: On 23 February 2026, the government shared their plan, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, proposing updates to the SEND system. They also released a consultation paper called Putting Children and Young People First, which is open for feedback until 18 May 2026. Both of these set out possible changes to improve support for children and young people with SEND.
Here’s the key point: These are only proposals right now. Nothing has changed yet. The current rules, including your rights under the Children and Families Act 2014, are still in place. Any changes would require new legislation and are expected to take several years before being introduced. Your SEND rights are protected for now.
The Children and Families Act 2014 is still the law, protecting children and young people with SEND. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), it remains a legally binding document. This means local authorities (and the services they commission) must deliver the support set out in the EHCP.
You also still have the right to ask for an EHC needs assessment if you feel your child needs extra support. And if you’re unhappy with decisions, you still have the right to appeal through the SEND Tribunal. This gives parents a way to challenge decisions if needed.
It’s important to remember why these reforms were suggested in the first place. For example, parents won 95% of SEND Tribunal cases in 2024/25, which suggests that many families only receive appropriate support after challenging decisions. The reforms aim to fix issues like this.
For now, you can be reassured that the current legal framework remains in place, and any significant changes are likely to take several years to introduce.
One new idea is to introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs). An ISP would be a shorter, digital document, created more quickly than the current EHCP process, which can take up to 20 weeks. ISPs are intended to become the main plan used for children who need SEND support beyond the universal classroom offer (not just those with EHCPs, as is largely the case now). A key question still being discussed is how enforceable ISPs will be compared to EHCPs.
EHCPs will not be taken away. However, exactly how eligibility for EHCPs might change in the future is still part of the consultation. If your child has the most complex needs, they will still have an EHCP, so their high-level support will stay in place.
The government is backing up these plans with money, pledging £4 billion for reforms:
These funds are meant to make support for children with SEND better, clearer, and easier to access.
If your child receives SEN support, here are steps you can take to make sure they are helped properly:
The law still says your local authority must complete the EHC assessment and issue a plan within 20 weeks. If deadlines are missed, contact your local authority in writing and keep dates and copies of all communication.
While you wait, collect reports from professionals, like educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and others, who know your child. You might find it helpful to keep a diary about your child’s needs and daily life. This will be useful evidence when asking for support.
When you review your child’s EHCP, focus on Section F, which describes the help your child gets. It should be clear and specific. Vague words make it harder to make sure your child gets what they need. The help (provision) in Section F should match the needs listed earlier in the plan.
Be ready for annual reviews, they’re your chance to speak up if things aren’t working. Bring your own evidence and questions. If the support isn’t what your child needs, ask for changes in writing and keep a copy.
If the help promised in your child’s EHCP isn’t happening, tell the school or local authority in writing. The law says they must deliver what’s in your child’s plan, no matter what.
Some proposals suggest that, in the future, EHCPs could be reviewed and potentially replaced with ISPs as part of a phased transition. However, the details of how this would work, including timing and parental involvement, have not yet been finalised.
The consultation ends on 18 May 2026. You can share your views through the Department for Education’s website. You don’t need to be a legal expert; your everyday experience counts. Sharing your thoughts helps the government hear what families really need.
When you respond, consider:
Groups like IPSEA, the National Autistic Society, and Contact have helpful guides for parents who want to respond. This is your chance to help shape the future for SEND children.
A well-organised SEND folder can help you manage your child’s needs and communicate with others. You can use a physical folder or a digital one. Here’s how to get started:
If problems come up, having these records is extremely helpful. Being organised means you can speak up for your child with confidence.
Helping your child can be stressful, especially when rules are changing. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Parent support groups, like the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, can offer advice and a listening ear.
If you have questions or concerns, ask for a meeting with the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). You have every right to ask for clear answers and to ensure your child is supported properly.
Remember, you know your child better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to trust your knowledge and stand up for them.
Here’s what matters most: The law is the same as before, and your child’s rights are protected. The consultation is a real chance for you to help shape what comes next for SEND families.
Change can feel unsettling, but being informed and organised puts you in a great position to speak up for your child. Trust yourself, you can make sure your child gets what they need, both now and in the future.
If you need more help or information, here are:Â
Organisations that can support you:
Long form videos:
Remember, you’re not alone. There are people and organisations ready to back you up at every step.
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