The UK government is facing significant backlash regarding proposed reforms to special needs education, particularly concerning Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that support over 600,000 children with special educational needs in England.

Concerns have arisen over potential government plans to reduce or eliminate EHCPs in mainstream schools, with officials hesitant to guarantee their continuation in upcoming reforms.

EHCPs, established by the 2014 Children and Families Act, are crucial for ensuring that children with SEND receive appropriate support and services, which are legally enforceable through the SEND tribunal.

In a recent interview, Phillipson described the SEND system as complex and sensitive, reiterating the government's commitment to improving support following consultations with parents and disability rights groups.

Campaigners are urging the government to retain EHCPs, describing them as essential legal protections for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A letter from campaigners warns that without EHCPs, many children risk losing essential educational provisions, contradicting their statutory rights established over the last 40 years.

The campaign has garnered support from 100 signatories, including celebrities like Chris Packham and Christine McGuiness, as well as charity heads and parents of SEND children.

Recent data from the Department for Education indicates a significant increase in EHCPs, with 638,745 plans recorded as of January 2025, marking a 10.8% rise from the previous year.

The number of new EHCPs initiated in 2024 grew by 15.8% to 97,747, while requests for assessments rose by 11.8% to 154,489, reflecting a growing demand for support.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the government's challenges with the SEND system and stated they are looking to improve support for affected children and families.

Phillipson emphasized the commitment to strengthen support for children with SEND, mentioning a forthcoming schools white paper set to be released in autumn 2025.

An open letter detailing these concerns was published in The Guardian, reflecting the growing public anxiety about potential changes to SEND provisions.