England: Fears over SPED reform; more parents requesting support
- The end of childhood
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Oct 27, 2025, Politics Home: Rise In SEND Requests As Parents Fear Upcoming Reforms
Exclusive: Fears over upcoming reforms to the special education needs (SEND) system have led more parents to request formal support for their children, according to reports from councils.
In May, Dame Christine Lenehan, the government’s strategic adviser on SEND, told education reporters the upcoming schools white paper would “probably” lead to fewer education, health and care plans (EHCPs) being issued, and possibly stop children in mainstream schools getting them.
Her comments sparked a backlash from parents, campaigners and subsequently MPs.
The government announced last week that it had delayed publication of the white paper until next year. School leaders were originally told to expect the proposals in September. In a letter to education committee chair Helen Hayes MP, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the delay would help the government to "deliver the most effective set of reforms we can".
PoliticsHome revealed in September that the proposed SEND reforms faced further delay amid ministerial concern that they risked a political backlash similar to that which led the government to abandon welfare cuts in the summer.
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