SEND Reform UK: Rights at Risk?

About this episode

The episode discusses the proposed SEND Reforms in the UK and their potential impact on families and children's rights.

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about the proposed SEND Reforms 2026 and what they could mean for families across the UK. The Government says the changes aim to make mainstream schools more inclusive, reduce EHCP numbers, and introduce new “layers” of support but many parents are concerned about what this could mean for legal protections, specialist provision, and access to support. After attending a local community meeting with our MP and submitting our own consultation response as parents, we share the common themes, key concerns, and the questions that still remain unanswered. This isn’t about resisting reform, it’s about making sure reform strengthens the system, and doesn't weaken children’s rights. Key Takeaways EHCP access could change significantly. Proposals suggest EHCPs may eventually be reserved for children with “the most complex needs” but there is currently no clear definition of what that means. Specialist Provision Packages (SPPs) may replace detailed individual plans. This risks shifting from a needs‑led system to a more standardised, package‑based approach. Legal enforceability is a major concern. If support moves from Section F…

People in this episode

Hosts: Victoria Bennion, Natalie Tealdi

Topics covered

• SEND Reforms
• children's rights
• inclusive education
• legal protections
• specialist provision
• parent concerns

Keywords

• SEND Reforms
• EHCP
• specialist provision
• legal protections
• mainstream schools
• parent concerns
• support access

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UK Government, EHCP, SPP, ISPs

Places: UK

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