Derbyshire families concerned by planned SEND funding changes

Parents in Derbyshire say proposed SEND funding reforms would reduce the number of Education, Health and Care Plans and could affect legal support and funding for some children; the government says it will spend £4bn over three years and introduce Individual Support Plans drawn up by schools.

Parents in Derbyshire have expressed concern about a government plan to change how pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported in mainstream schools. The government says it will spend £4bn over three years to make schools more inclusive and will introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) that schools will draw up. Under the proposals, fewer children would hold Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with EHCPs kept for the most complex cases. Families report uncertainty because EHCPs currently carry statutory protections and dedicated funding. What officials and families have said: - The government has announced a £4bn package over three years and said ISPs will allow support to be provided "earlier and faster" and that effective support will not be withdrawn. - There are currently more than 480,000 pupils in England with EHCPs; the reforms would mean only the most complex cases retain EHCP status. - Parents in Derbyshire say they worry about losing legal protections and funded one-to-one help, and Derbyshire County Council says it will carefully review the proposals and the outcomes of a national consultation. Summary: The proposals have created uncertainty for families who rely on EHCPs for funded and legally backed support. A national consultation is under way and Derbyshire County Council has said it will review the consultation outcomes and the detailed proposals before deciding what the changes might mean locally.