A mother of an autistic child in Leicestershire has expressed deep concern over the UK government’s proposed reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, warning that the changes could lead to a loss of parental control over critical education support for children with complex needs.

Parental Fears Over Loss of Legal Safeguards

Sharanjeet, a 41-year-old parent from Birstall, said the new SEND reforms, outlined in the government’s Schools White Paper, would leave families vulnerable to decisions made by schools without sufficient legal recourse.

Under the new system, children with existing education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will be able to keep them until they finish their current phase of education. Starting in September 2029, they will be reassessed, with the reassessment period beginning when they reach Year 6 if they are currently in Year 2.

Sharanjeet’s son, who is currently receiving one-to-one support at school, is set to transition to secondary education, a time when the reforms are expected to take effect. She fears that the reassessment process could result in the withdrawal of the EHCP, which has been crucial for her son’s daily functioning.

“My son masks a lot at school and at the moment he has a one-to-one, but could that one-to-one be taken from him if he’s not deemed as a high-complexity child?” Sharanjeet asked. “For it then to be taken from us is very concerning because how would he cope in a day-to-day setting? How would he cope without a one-to-one?”

New Support Framework and Legal Challenges

The government plans to replace EHCPs with a new type of document called an individual support plan (ISP), which will be created by schools in consultation with parents. The ISP will determine the level of support a child receives, with three possible tiers: “targeted,” “targeted plus,” or “specialist.”

Parents who are not satisfied with their child’s ISP will need to go through a school complaints system before they can escalate the issue to the local authority or the government. This process could delay or limit the ability of parents to challenge decisions made by schools.

By 2035, EHCPs will be reserved only for children with the most complex needs. This shift raises concerns among advocates and parents that many children will lose access to the legal protections and support that came with an EHCP.

Advocates Highlight Both Hope and Concerns

Eve, an 18-year-old from Earl Shilton who has autism, a sensory processing disorder, and selective mutism, said the White Paper contains both positive and worrying elements. She is a campaigner for SEND Sanctuary, an organization focused on accountability and understanding within the SEND system.

“There are a lot of positives to come, but there’s also a lot of fear,” Eve said. “Parents and families like mine are scared they lose the right in some of those lesser complex cases to the EHCP and their right to appeal against what schools have set out and what adjustments need to be made.”

Eve called for the government to provide clearer information about funding for the new system, including how it will be allocated and managed. “I’d like to see some more strategic direction from the government,” she added.

Government Emphasizes Increased Funding

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the reforms as a “watershed moment” for children with SEND and a “major milestone” in the government’s mission to ensure opportunity for every child. She emphasized that the government would not be withdrawing “effective support” and would be “spending more money,” not less, on providing for children with SEND.

However, parents and advocates are skeptical, given the history of underfunding in the SEND system. Many worry that increased funding will not translate into meaningful improvements without clear oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Sharanjeet echoed these concerns, saying, “The minute it’s not legally binding or it doesn’t have the same emphasis on that legal reinforcement, we lose control.”

The reforms are set to take effect in September 2029, with full implementation by 2035. The government has not yet provided detailed guidance on the transition process or how reassessments will be conducted.