England’s SEND system is entering the first stage of a long reform programme. From September 2026, staff across early years, schools and colleges are expected to gain access to government-backed training, while new investment begins to support inclusion in mainstream settings.
The first phase
The government’s consultation describes a phased approach running from 2026 to 2035. Early measures include a £200 million national training programme, expansion of educational-psychologist training and an Inclusive Mainstream Fund worth £1.6 billion over three years.
It also proposes more Inclusion Bases in mainstream schools and an “Experts at Hand” service intended to give settings quicker access to specialist interventions.
What happens to EHCPs?
Families should not assume that existing Education, Health and Care Plans will disappear overnight. The consultation says children and young people will retain their EHCP and associated provision until the end of their current phase of education, or until they choose to move to the new system. No changes to existing EHCP support are planned before at least September 2030.
What to watch
- How national inclusion standards are defined.
- Whether training reaches support staff as well as teachers.
- How local authorities and NHS bodies coordinate services.
- Whether funding produces additional capacity rather than covering existing deficits.
The direction is towards earlier intervention and stronger mainstream provision. The test will be whether families experience faster support, clearer accountability and genuine choice.
