SEND review improvement plan: Everything schools need to know

By Sarah Shepperd • Published on 02/03/2025


SEND Review Improvement Plan: Everything Schools Need to Know

The UK government is implementing a comprehensive review and improvement plan for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in schools. This initiative aims to address the growing challenges in the SEND system and ensure better outcomes for children with special needs. In this blog post, we'll explore the key aspects of the SEND review improvement plan and what schools need to know about these upcoming changes.

1. Funding Boost and Capacity Expansion

One of the most significant developments in the SEND improvement plan is the allocation of additional funds to increase capacity:

  • A £20 million fund has been established to support the creation of new special school places.
  • In Gloucestershire alone, this investment has resulted in 540 new special school places since 2022 (source).

This expansion aims to address the growing demand for specialized education and reduce the pressure on mainstream schools to accommodate students with complex needs.

2. Transport Changes for SEND Children

The improvement plan also includes modifications to transportation services for SEND children:

  • New transport arrangements have been approved, potentially affecting how children with special needs travel to and from school.
  • Families may face out-of-pocket expenses for taxis under the new allowance system (source).
  • The introduction of school minibuses has been delayed until October, which may impact some families' transportation plans.

Schools should be prepared to communicate these changes to parents and work with local authorities to ensure smooth transitions in transportation arrangements.

3. Rethinking SEND Funding

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized the need for "different thinking" on SEND funding. This approach includes:

  • Potential reforms to the 2014 Children and Families Act to address financial pressures on local authorities.
  • A focus on preventing local authorities from facing insolvency due to rising SEND costs (source).

Schools should anticipate changes in how SEND funding is allocated and managed, which may affect their budgeting and resource allocation processes.

4. Early Intervention and Support

The improvement plan emphasizes the importance of early intervention for children with special needs:

  • Catherine McLeod, CEO of Dingley's Promise charity, has called for increased investment in early years care for children with SEND.
  • There's a growing recognition that addressing issues in early years can prevent problems later in primary school (source).

Schools, especially those with early years provision, should prepare for a greater focus on identifying and supporting SEND children at younger ages.

5. Streamlining the EHCP Process

The current system for obtaining Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has been described as adversarial and pressured. The improvement plan aims to address this by:

  • Implementing quicker support for children who need additional assistance.
  • Focusing on earlier identification of needs and more timely interventions (source).

Schools should prepare for potential changes in the EHCP application and implementation process, which may require adjustments to their SEND procedures.

6. Promoting Inclusion in Mainstream Schools

The government is launching a call for evidence on making mainstream schools more inclusive for pupils with special needs. This initiative includes:

  • An additional £740 million in capital funding for adaptations to mainstream schools.
  • Exploring practical and evidence-led solutions to improve inclusion (source).

Schools should consider how they can enhance their inclusive practices and prepare for potential adaptations to their facilities.

Conclusion

The SEND review improvement plan represents a significant shift in how special educational needs and disabilities are addressed in UK schools. While the changes aim to create a more effective and sustainable system, they also present challenges that schools must navigate.

Key takeaways for schools include:

  • Prepare for changes in funding allocation and management.
  • Enhance early intervention and support strategies.
  • Anticipate modifications to the EHCP process.
  • Focus on improving inclusion in mainstream settings.
  • Stay informed about transportation changes for SEND students.

As these improvements are implemented, it's crucial for schools to maintain open communication with parents, local authorities, and SEND support organizations. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and effective education system that meets the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities or challenges.