Number of children getting special educational needs support hits another record high
Summary
The number of children in the UK receiving special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support through legal education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) has reached a new high, rising by 12.5% to over 700,000. The government is investing £4 billion to improve support in mainstream schools while planning reforms to limit EHCPs to children with the most complex needs by 2030.Key Facts
- Between January 2025 and January 2026, EHCP numbers rose by 12.5%, the largest annual increase since they began over ten years ago.
- Over 700,000 children and young people (up to age 25) now have EHCPs.
- More than 110,000 new EHCPs were issued in 2025.
- Less than half of EHCPs are issued within the legal 20-week deadline.
- The number of children with EHCPs attending mainstream schools rose by over 15%.
- The government is investing £4 billion to help schools support children with SEND more effectively.
- From 2030, fewer children will get EHCPs; most will receive individual support plans (ISPs) instead, reserving EHCPs for those with the highest needs.
- Families and campaigners worry this change may reduce legal rights, but the government says support will continue.
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