Will EHCPs Disappear? Understanding What Is (and Isn’t) Changing

This is one of the biggest concerns I am hearing from families.

The short answer: EHCPs are not being abolished.

What is changing is the system around them.

Currently, many families feel that an EHCP is the only reliable way to secure support. That has led to rising numbers of applications and increasing pressure on the system.

The white paper suggests that EHCPs will continue for children and young people with the most complex needs. For others, there will be strengthened provision at SEN Support level, including formalised Individual Support Plans.

The intention is to reduce the need for statutory assessment where needs can and should be met effectively within school.

For some families, this may feel like a reduction in protection. That is an understandable reaction. An EHCP provides legal clarity and enforceability.

However, the reform aims to create clearer expectations about what mainstream schools must provide as standard. If implemented properly, that should mean fewer families needing to seek statutory routes in order to secure appropriate support.

The key question will be how well mainstream settings are resourced and held accountable. The proposed Inclusive Mainstream funding investment is designed to strengthen this.

It is too early to predict exact thresholds or processes. What we do know is that complex needs requiring multi-agency input will still require statutory protection.

If you are already in receipt of an EHCP, there is no indication that plans will simply be withdrawn. Transitional arrangements will be required, and these will be detailed in due course.