Pupils with Send plans in England likely to double to one in 10 in rush for support

Local authorities and schools are warning of a sharp rise in applications for special educational needs support, with officials anticipating the number of children receiving formal plans could soon double. Headteachers describe an unprecedented spike in requests for education, health and care plans (EHCPs) ahead of possible government reforms to the system. Concerns grow over the financial strain on schools and councils as families seek to secure support for conditions like autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties before any changes take effect. The surge follows a period when only a small fraction of school-age children had such plans in place.

Schools and councils express financial concerns as EHCP applications surge before potential change in provision‘Powerful example’: minister looks to Essex school for blueprint to transform Send provisionSchools and councils across England are expecting the proportion of children with special needs plans to double to one in 10, with families rushing to secure support before ministers bring in changes.Headteachers have reported an “unreal” surge in applications for education, health and care plans (EHCPs) mandating support for needs or disabilities such as speech and learning difficulties, autism or ADHD. In 2025, just one in 20 school-age children had EHCPs. Continue reading...