SEND plan for England gets cautious welcome amid workload concerns

The government published a SEND white paper asking mainstream schools to assess pupils and set individual support plans, and ministers say legislation will be introduced in 2028; education leaders and MPs welcomed the aim but warned the changes will add substantial workload and could affect staff wellbeing.

The government has published a white paper setting out changes to SEND support in England that would see mainstream schools assess pupils and draw up individual support plans for many more children. The proposals aim to extend help to children who currently do not have education, health and care plans (EHCPs). Education leaders and unions gave a cautious welcome for the policy's intent but warned it represents a large additional burden on teachers and school leaders. Ministers say funding will be provided and that legislation is planned for 2028, with phased implementation through 2029-30. Key points: - The white paper would require mainstream schools to assess pupils and prepare individual support plans for many children without EHCPs. - Education leaders and unions described the changes as necessary in aim but a "huge ask," stressing concerns about extra workload and staff wellbeing. - The government has outlined additional funding and said legislation will be introduced in 2028, with implementation phased up to 2029-30. Summary: The reforms are intended to broaden individualised support beyond those with EHCPs, affecting hundreds of thousands of pupils and adding new demands on school staff and leaders. Ministers have set out funding and a timetable that delays legislation until 2028 so details and consultations can be worked through.