The government has today published its long-awaited schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving, alongside a formal SEND reform consultation that includes major proposed changes to EHCPs and wider SEND support in England.
After months of anticipation, the Department for Education has today (23 February 2026) published the schools white paper and opened a linked consultation on SEND reform. For families, schools and councils, the biggest point of focus is what happens next to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and how support will be delivered in future.
What has been published today?
The government has released:
- The schools white paper — Every child achieving and thriving
- A SEND reform consultation — SEND reform: putting children and young people first
- Supporting information documents for parents and education professionals
The consultation is now open and invites responses from families, professionals and organisations with an interest in SEND reform.
What does this mean for EHCPs?
The key proposal is a shift in how support is organised. Under the consultation proposals, EHCPs would remain in place for children and young people with the most complex needs, while many others would be supported through a different framework, including Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for day-to-day educational provision.
Important: These are currently proposals under consultation, not immediate legal changes. The current SEND/EHCP system remains in place while the consultation runs and any future legislation is developed.
What happens next?
- The SEND reform consultation is open from 23 February 2026
- It is currently scheduled to close at 11:59pm on 18 May 2026
- Any legal changes would come later, following consultation feedback and legislation
The government has also signalled that reform will be phased, meaning any new system would not begin overnight. For now, today’s publication marks the start of a major consultation period rather than an immediate replacement of EHCPs.
Why this matters
SEND support and EHCP access have become one of the most closely watched issues in education policy. Today’s white paper and consultation are likely to prompt strong responses from parent groups, schools, local authorities and the SEND sector — particularly on legal protections, accountability, and how support is delivered consistently across England.
We will continue to track the consultation and any further government detail, especially around EHCP eligibility, tribunal rights, transition arrangements, and implementation timelines.
READ THE FULL STORY ON My Send Friend .co.uk
Source: GOV.UK – SEND reform: putting children and young people first (HTML version)
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