Pupils with Send plans in England likely to double to one in 10 in rush for support
Summary
The number of children in England with special education needs plans (EHCPs) is expected to double to one in 10 by 2029. This surge is largely due to families trying to get support before government changes take effect, putting pressure on schools and local councils.Key Facts
- The proportion of children with EHCPs in England is predicted to rise from 1 in 20 in 2025 to nearly 1 in 10 by 2029.
- EHCPs provide legal support for children with needs like learning difficulties, autism, or ADHD.
- The number of EHCPs has increased by over 11% annually in recent years.
- Local councils are facing financial strain due to the rising number of EHCPs, with debts growing despite government efforts to reduce them.
- Schools have experienced a sharp increase in applications for EHCP assessments since early 2024.
- The government plans to reform the system by offering earlier support and focusing EHCPs on children with the most severe needs starting in 2030.
- New initiatives, like putting specialists in mainstream schools, will begin later this year.
- More than 530,000 children currently have EHCPs, with an additional 1.3 million identified as having special needs but not covered by EHCPs.
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