📅 Published: March 2025
The UK government has recently announced that NHS England will be abolished, marking a significant shift in how healthcare services are managed. For families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this raises urgent questions:
- Will this affect NHS support for EHCPs?
- What happens to services like CAMHS, speech and language therapy, and OT?
- Does this mean more delays and funding issues for children with SEND?
As we know, healthcare plays a crucial role in EHCPs—whether it’s getting medical assessments, securing therapy recommendations, or accessing mental health services. With NHS England being scrapped, local decision-making will take over, and while this may sound like a move towards better localized care, many fear it could lead to even greater disparities in access to essential support.
What This Means for SEND & EHCPs
1️⃣ Possible Delays in Assessments & Reports
NHS delays are already a major issue for families waiting for diagnoses, therapy, and specialist input for EHCPs. This structural change could cause further confusion, as responsibilities shift from NHS England to new or existing bodies.
2️⃣ Funding & Service Cuts
SEND services have already been underfunded for years, and there are concerns that local health authorities may struggle to maintain provisions for therapies like speech and language, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy—services that many EHCPs depend on.
3️⃣ Inconsistent Support Across Regions
With more local control, parents could see an even wider postcode lottery, where support varies drastically depending on where they live. Some areas might prioritize SEND health services, while others could deprioritize them due to funding constraints.
4️⃣ Impact on CAMHS & Mental Health Support
Many children with SEND rely on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which already has years-long waiting lists. With structural upheaval, parents fear delays will only increase, leaving children without vital support.
5️⃣ More Pressure on Parents to Fight for Support
Without clear national oversight, parents may face even greater challenges in securing the right health provisions for their child’s EHCP. Expect more appeals, complaints, and tribunals as families fight to ensure children receive their legal entitlements.
How AskEllie Can Help
💡 Instant Legal Guidance: Ellie can break down the latest changes and explain how they might affect your child’s EHCP.
📋 Appeal & Complaint Support: If your child’s health provision is reduced or removed from their EHCP, Ellie can help you draft letters and challenge decisions.
🔍 Understanding Your Rights: With health, social care, and education all linked in an EHCP, Ellie ensures you know what your child is entitled to and how to fight for it.
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