The government is exploring significant reforms to how children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported in schools. At the centre of this are potential changes to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

As an education recruitment agency working closely with mainstream and SEN schools up and down the country, we understand how crucial EHCPs are in securing the right support for children with complex needs.

These potential changes could reshape how schools plan, fund and deliver support, and we want to ensure you feel informed and confident about what’s ahead.

What Are EHCPs?

EHCPs are detailed documents that outline a child’s individual needs, the support they require, and the outcomes they’re working towards. They are essential for ensuring young people with SEND can access the right kind of education, therapies and interventions.

Right now, over half a million children in England have an EHCP. These plans provide families with a legal foundation to challenge decisions and push for the help their child deserves.

Unfortunately, many schools have seen firsthand how delayed plans, stretched local authorities and lengthy appeals can leave children without the right support for months, sometimes longer. This puts enormous pressure on school staff, SENCOs and teaching teams trying to bridge the gap while waiting for formal plans or funding.

What Could Be Changing?

While the details are still being shaped, recent government statements suggest EHCPs could be revised, or even replaced. The focus at the moment may be to streamline the system and offer earlier support without having to go through the formal EHCP process.

Ministers have suggested a move toward a model that provides quicker, more accessible support before issues escalate.

However, many people have voiced that removing or changing EHCPs could leave some children without a path to the help they need. It has been said that without EHCPs, schools could potentially be left carrying more responsibility with fewer resources.

What Could This Mean for Schools?

If EHCPs are reduced in scope or scrapped altogether, schools may need to pick up more of the early support responsibilities. potentially with less involvement or funding from local authorities. SENCOs and staff may face increased pressure to identify needs, create personalised support strategies, and deliver interventions, all while managing classroom demands and limited budgets.

There is talk of increased investment in early intervention schemes, which is a positive step. But questions remain about how these will be delivered and whether every school, especially those already stretched, will benefit equally.

This all reinforces something we at Smile Education have long believed: children with complex and diverse needs deserve staff who are just as unique, skilled, and committed as they are.

How Smile Education Supports Schools Navigating SEND Challenges

At Smile Education, we’ve built strong partnerships with SEN schools, mainstream settings with high levels of need, and multi-academy trusts across the UK. We know that recruiting the right people for SEND roles isn’t just about filling vacancies, it’s about understanding each child’s story and making sure the right team is in place to support their journey.

Whether your school needs specialist teachers, 1:1 learning mentors, experienced TAs, or behaviour and inclusion support, our dedicated consultants take the time to listen and match the right professionals to your needs.

As changes to EHCPs and SEND policy unfold, we’re here to help you stay ahead.

Our candidates come with the experience, training and compassion needed to support pupils through uncertainty and change. And because we specialise in education recruitment, we know how to respond quickly when schools need extra support, whether that’s for long-term planning or last-minute cover.

If you’re unsure how these reforms might affect your recruitment needs or want to talk about how to future-proof your SEND provision, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 0121 392 6570, talking to us via our live chat or getting in touch today.