Send Support Reforms in England Spark Parental Concerns

Published: 29 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Parents in England are raising urgent concerns that the government’s upcoming Send reforms could reduce crucial Send support for disabled children. A recent survey by the disability charity Sense reveals growing anxiety among families of children with complex needs, showing that half of parents feel nervous about the changes and nearly half fear losing legally guaranteed provisions. These reforms, expected to be detailed in a schools white paper, are intended to reshape the funding and delivery of special education needs and disabilities across England.

The Sense survey, conducted among 1,000 parents of children with multiple complex conditions including autism, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments, found that one in five parents reported their child’s school failing to provide the Send support outlined in their Education, Health, and Care Plans, or EHCPs. Almost half of respondents described the process of securing Send support as “stressful,” reflecting long-standing frustrations with the current system.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is finalising the reforms, with publication anticipated in mid-February. At the centre of these changes is the future of EHCPs, which legally entitle children to specific Send support and allow parents to appeal through a dedicated tribunal if their needs are not met. Advocates insist that these legal protections must remain robust to prevent further disadvantaging vulnerable children.

James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of Sense, stressed the critical nature of the issue. He said a shocking number of children are being failed by an underfunded and fragmented Send system, with many missing out on proper care, education, and life opportunities. “Parents’ anxiety is entirely justified,” he explained. “If legal rights are diluted or funding is cut, the consequences for disabled children could be devastating. Ensuring consistent Send support is essential to protect their wellbeing.”

The survey also revealed wider societal impacts. About a third of parents reported leaving employment due to insufficient support for their child, while 40% had reduced working hours. This underscores how the current system’s shortcomings extend beyond education, affecting families’ economic stability and wellbeing.

The Department for Education recently completed a national listening exercise, consulting parents, educators, and interest groups to inform the white paper. A DfE spokesperson emphasised that the reforms aim to restore parents’ trust, address system gaps, and end the so-called postcode lottery by ensuring consistent and adequate Send support across all regions. “We are committed to building an inclusive education system where children thrive close to home,” the spokesperson said, highlighting planned investments, including £200m for teacher training and £3bn to establish 50,000 new specialist school places.

A key element of the proposed reforms involves expanding special needs provision in mainstream schools, allowing children with complex needs to access local educational settings rather than compete for limited specialist placements. The Office for Budget Responsibility projects that spending on Send provision will reach £18bn by 2029, with local authorities potentially absorbing £6bn in high-needs deficits without further government intervention.

Sense is calling on ministers to prioritise disabled children with complex needs during these reforms, warning that children could be left further behind without adequate funding and strong legal protections. The charity emphasised the necessity of a joined-up workforce strategy and sustained investment in professionals supporting disabled children, so that all students can learn and thrive in environments suited to their needs.

The importance of preserving EHCPs and other legal rights remains central to parental concerns. These documents outline tailored support requirements and are enforceable through appeals, giving families a legal voice to ensure their children receive the education and care they need. Failure to safeguard these rights could exacerbate stress, financial strain, and barriers to opportunity for thousands of families across England.

While the reforms are presented as a solution to systemic issues, parents remain sceptical. Many have experienced a history of underfunded, inconsistent provision and lengthy bureaucratic processes. They hope that the government’s commitments translate into meaningful action rather than temporary fixes, and that investment in specialist staff, local authority support, and school training is maintained over time.

As discussions continue, Sense urges the government to involve families closely in finalising the reforms. The charity stresses that engagement must go beyond consultation, ensuring policy changes reflect the real-world experiences of those navigating the Send system daily. By doing so, ministers have an opportunity to rebuild trust, guarantee access to essential Send support, and create an education system where all children with disabilities can achieve their potential.

The debate over Send reforms in England highlights the delicate balance between resource allocation, legal safeguards, and family wellbeing. While policymakers work on structural changes, parents remain vigilant, hoping their children’s rights and opportunities are protected amidst significant system transformation. Ensuring transparency, adequate funding, and robust legal frameworks is essential to prevent vulnerable children from falling further behind.

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