The SEN Resources Blog

I’ve had so many conversations lately about the SEND reform proposals, where things currently stand, and how everything feels increasingly fragile. The impact of this ‘SEND reform limbo’ is becoming impossible to ignore.

There’s been a fair bit in the press too about Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the wider system. I’m worried about the well‑documented pressures, but I’m even more concerned about the impact of the uncertainty and confusion we’re all facing.

We’re in a prolonged period of waiting for the government’s response to the SEND reform consultation. Of course, it’s vital that the experiences and expertise shared in the consultation are properly considered (and hopefully some elements reconsidered…you can probably guess which bit).

But I’m increasingly concerned that this wait is already having real‑world consequences for children and young people with SEND.

Recent commentary reflects what many of us are seeing: a system stretched to breaking point, families navigating exhausting processes, schools trying to do the right thing with limited clarity, and local authorities under immense scrutiny. But what’s emerging now feels really concerning.

I’m hearing more and more informal reports of EHCPs being restricted, delayed, perhaps because people are bracing for reforms that haven’t yet been confirmed.

This “anticipatory tightening” is creating a perfect storm:

• Families stuck in assessment limbo, unsure whether to ask, wait, or escalate.
• Schools asked to meet increasingly complex needs without the backing and support they should have, and growing
  confusion about what is statutory.
• People second‑guessing future policy, making decisions based on what might be coming rather than what currently exists in law.

But mostly I’m worried that children and young people with SEND being impacted right now , and some of it might be because of the reform proposals, but I’d argue it’s because of the confusion of them at the moment.

The irony is quite painful; the consultation period was meant to improve clarity, consistency and confidence. But at the moment, this delay is creating more confusion, more inconsistency, and more anxiety for families and professionals alike.

The sector urgently needs clear communication, realistic timelines, and reassurance/reminder that the law hasn’t changed and current statutory duties remain exactly that: statutory.