Schools White Paper✍️📚️

A new tiered system of support will look at pupils special educational needs with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) reserved for those with the most complex cases. Schools will be responsible for creating Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for pupils with less complex need and will be guided by new inclusion standards and an obligation to develop an inclusion strategy.

The schools white paper and consultation have outlined proposals for SEND reform and most of these changes are expected to be implemented from 2029. From then on, pupils with EHCPs will have their plans reviewed at their next transition point in secondary education.

Legislation to support these reforms will be introduced at the earliest opportunity. This follows the Government's announcement of additional funding for mainstream schools to facilitate early intervention and a separate fund to enhance the availability of local experts, such as educational psychologists.

The new tiered system is expected to work like this…

Universal Offer
This new baseline aims to meet the needs of most children in mainstream schools, focusing on inclusive leadership, evidence-based support, and strong partnerships with families.

Three Layers of Support
Targeted - For ongoing needs, involving small group interventions and individual support plans (ISPs).
Targeted Plus - For more specialist support, with access to education and health professionals.
Specialist - For children with complex needs, involving specialist provision packages and EHCPs.

Future of EHCPs
EHCPs will be created after specialist package decisions and children will be assessed against new thresholds with plans digitised.

Special School Curriculum Review
Special schools will review curriculum practices and provide outreach for mainstream settings.

National Inclusion Standards
New standards will guide the tiers which will be supported by a £15 million investment.

School Inclusion Strategy Duty
Schools must produce an annual inclusion strategy that will be assessed by Ofsted.

Updated Code of Practice
The SEND code of practice will be updated. This will be focused on training and supporting pupils with mental health needs.

New SEND Clusters Plan
Schools will collaborate in local groups to improve SEND provision.

High Needs Funding
More funding will be directed into core school budgets and have a focus on inclusion.

New Performance Measure
A new measure will recognise schools securing good progress for all pupils.

Improved Complaints Scrutiny
The complaints process will be strengthened with digital solutions for handling complaints.

Tribunal as Last Resort
Mediation services will be strengthened but tribunals will remain for unresolved disputes.

Children’s Commissioner Oversight
The commissioner will monitor SEND reform implementation and will put a focus on vulnerable groups.

DfE Power on Private Special School Expansion
The education secretary will have the power to regulate independent special school expansions based on demand.