EHCPs – can the current system cope?

Emma Sanderson, Managing Director of Options Autism, examines what the Department for Education’s (DFE’s) latest figures reveal, and questions – can the system cope?

Last month’s publication of the annual Education Health and Care plans1 (EHCPs) census figures from the DfE, highlight the continuing challenge faced by parents and schools, to access and provide the necessary support for the increasing number of children with EHCPs – and those children with SEND without one. With an increase of 11.4% from January 2023 to January 2024, the current number of children and young people with SEND supported through a statutory plan, has more than doubled since the launch of the SEND reforms in September 2014. Unlike the initial first few years after the reforms, where most growth was due to the expansion of post-16 ECHPs, todays growth is greatest amongst school-aged children.

Figures show the number of new EHCPs started during 2023, increased by 17,722 (26.6%) from 2022. With such stark increases, it’s obvious to see why schools are struggling, with the number of pupils with EHCPs growing faster in mainstream schools (17%) than in local authority (LA) special schools (8%). The increase in mainstream EHCPs suggests that mainstream schools are becoming more inclusive, or could be because state special schools are full to bursting, also reflected in the growth of independent specialist provision.

Possibly most concerning, is the 1 in 13 – equating to a staggering 44,000 children and young people with an EHCP – without a formal education placement. It was also the third most common category for those who received an EHCP for the first time in 2023. Where are these children now? Where are they going? Are they safe?

The fastest growing sub-groups within this category were elective home education and young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), which currently stands at 15,000 young people. Again we should be asking, where are they, and are they receiving any kind of support to secure success in their future lives?

There are rumblings in the sector that suggest the numbers of EHCPs in the system is the problem. Cash-strapped LAs facing enormous financial constraints and funding issues, have been tempted to actively try to trim, cut, or slash EHCP numbers. There’s a growing proportion of LA refusals to conduct an EHC needs assessment. In many cases, the assessment process includes the additional step of initial LA refusal, followed by parental appeal, before an EHCP is granted. It’s down to a postcode lottery for parents as refusal rates between LAs vary significantly. Refusal to assess for an EHCP means that more children are not getting the support they need to succeed.

We need to urgently address this situation by reviewing SEND policy and expectations before the ticking time bomb goes off!

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Notes to editors

¹ Education, health and care plans, Reporting year 2024 – Explore education statistics – GOV.UK (explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk)