A central and controversial idea being discussed is to limit legal rights to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) so that only children with severe or very complex needs are entitled to them.

Children with moderate needs (e.g., less severe autism, ADHD or mental health-related difficulties) might lose legal rights to automatic support.

Some reports suggest shifting decision-making power on support needs from parents (who currently can appeal under law) to schools and professionals, rather than mandatory statutory entitlements.

Government thinking — and wider committee recommendations — signal a desire to embed SEND support more fully within mainstream education rather than treat it as “add-on” provision. This could mean more specialist units and resources in mainstream schools and less reliance on separate specialist placements.

A £3 billion investment was announced in December 2025 to create tens of thousands of new SEND-friendly places within mainstream schools, with breakout spaces and tailored environments to support pupils with autism, ADHD and other needs