SEND Reform 2026: What Does It Actually Mean for Your Child's EHCP?
If you have a child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may have seen recent headlines about major changes to the SEND system in England.
The Government has proposed significant reforms designed to change how children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are supported.
But what does this actually mean for your child right now?
First things first: your child's EHCP has not suddenly disappeared
The Government's SEND reform proposals are not currently changing the way EHCPs operate.
The national consultation on the proposed reforms closed on 18 May 2026, and the Government is now reviewing the responses before setting out its response and next steps.
This means that if your child currently has an EHCP, the plan remains in place and existing legal duties continue to apply.
Local authorities and education settings must continue to meet their current responsibilities.
So, what is the Government proposing?
One of the major proposals is the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
Under the proposed new system, every child with SEND would have an Individual Support Plan setting out their needs and the day-to-day support they receive. Parents and teachers would have access to the plan.
The proposals also include changes to EHCPs.
EHCPs would continue for children with more complex needs who require support beyond what would routinely be available in mainstream settings. The proposed system would also introduce Specialist Provision Packages, with the package and EHCP providing a legal entitlement to the support specified.
What about children who already have an EHCP?
This is one of the biggest questions parents have.
The Government has stated that children will not simply lose support because of the proposed reforms.
However, the proposals indicate that there would eventually be a process to consider whether a child's needs could be better met through the new system.
Importantly, these changes are not happening overnight.
The Government's proposed timetable indicates that new assessments under the reformed system would begin from September 2029, with changes to support provided through EHCPs not expected before September 2030.
What should parents do now?
For now, the best thing you can do is continue to focus on your child's current needs and support.
If your child has an EHCP:
Read through the current plan.
Check that the provision described is actually being delivered.
Keep copies of reports and professional advice.
Record any concerns about your child's support.
Attend Annual Reviews and make sure your views are included.
Ask questions if the plan no longer accurately reflects your child's needs.
You do not need to wait for the SEND reforms to take action.
Your child's current EHCP should reflect their current needs, not what their needs were several years ago.
What happens next?
The Government is currently considering responses to the national SEND reform consultation.
There are also further consultations taking place. For example, in July 2026 the Government opened a consultation on education otherwise than at school (EOTAS), including arrangements for children whose EHC plan provides for education outside a school or college. That consultation is open until 18 September 2026.
So, while change is coming, there is still a lot to be decided.
SEND Sights takeaway
Don't panic about headlines.
The SEND system is being proposed for significant reform, but your child's existing EHCP and current legal protections do not simply disappear because proposals have been announced.
For now, stay informed, keep your records organised and continue advocating for the support your child needs under the current system.
This article provides general information about proposed SEND reforms in England and is not legal advice. Government proposals may change before legislation or implementation.