1️⃣ A New Unified SEND System
For the first time, SEND services and Alternative Provision (AP) will be merged into one system. This means that if your child struggles in mainstream school and requires additional support, there will be a clearer, more structured pathway to get that help.
2️⃣ National SEND Standards
One of the biggest issues families face is the postcode lottery—where support varies wildly between local authorities. The government is introducing national standards to ensure that every child with SEND gets the same level of support, no matter where they live.
3️⃣ Local SEND Partnerships
Each local area will have a “Local SEND Partnership”, which will bring together schools, councils, healthcare providers, and parents to decide how SEND support is delivered. This is supposed to improve accountability and make decision-making more transparent.
4️⃣ Changes to EHCPs (Education, Health, and Care Plans)
The government is promising a more digital and efficient EHCP process, making it easier for parents to track applications and updates. However, many campaigners are skeptical, worrying that this could lead to standardized, one-size-fits-all EHCPs rather than fully individualized support plans.
5️⃣ A Stronger Focus on Early Support
Instead of waiting for a crisis, early intervention services will be expanded to help children as soon as they start struggling. The aim is to reduce the need for EHCPs by getting support in place earlier.
🚨 What Do These Changes Mean for Parents?
👍 Possible Benefits:
✅ More consistency across the country
✅ Easier access to alternative education if mainstream isn’t working
✅ A clearer EHCP process with digital tracking
👎 Potential Issues:
⚠️ Reduced parental choice? There are concerns that centralized digital EHCPs could limit the ability to personalize them.
⚠️ Funding remains unclear – how will the government ensure these changes are properly financed?
⚠️ SEND Tribunals and Appeals – If LAs reject support, will parents still have to fight to get what their child needs?
📢 How to Prepare & Advocate for Your Child
🔹 Stay Informed: Keep checking GOV.UK SEND Updates and SEND advocacy sites like Special Needs Jungle for the latest updates.
🔹 Engage with Your Local SEND Partnership: These groups will shape how services work in your area. Make your voice heard.
🔹 Document Everything: If you are applying for an EHCP, keep all records, emails, and evidence of your child’s needs.
🔹 Seek Professional Advice: Organizations like IPSEA, SOS! SEN, and SENDIASS can help you challenge unfair decisions.
🤖 How Ellie Can Help You Navigate These Changes
If all this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. The SEND system is complex, and many parents feel lost when trying to understand their rights or challenge decisions from local authorities.
That’s exactly why we built Ellie—a free AI-powered assistant designed to help parents of children with SEND.
Ellie can help you:
✅ Break down complicated EHCP documents into simple, clear terms
✅ Draft responses to local authorities, schools, and appeals
✅ Explain SEND law and your rights so you can advocate effectively
✅ Give advice on everyday challenges—from school exclusions to getting a Blue Badge
✅ Offer practical strategies for issues like sleep problems, school anxiety, and transitions
🚀 Ellie is available 24/7 and completely free to use! Just head to AskEllie.co.uk and click the chat bubble to get started.
💜 You don’t have to navigate the SEND system alone—Ellie is here to help.
🔗 Useful Resources
📌 UK Government SEND Reforms
📌 SEND Code of Practice 2015
📌 IPSEA – Free SEND Legal Advice
✨ If you found this helpful, share it with other parents who might be struggling with the SEND system. Every child deserves the right support—let’s make sure they get it. 💜
🔹 Would you like help with an EHCP or SEND appeal? Ask Ellie now at AskEllie.co.uk.
Leave a Reply