The future of SEND Legislation in England

The Children’s and Families Act 2014 sought to address perceived deficiencies in the Warnock framework for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The main structural change of the 2014 reforms replaced Statements of SEN with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) to secure a more personalised, outcome-focused and integrated assessment of need followed by more joined-up provision. The aim of integrated commissioning and service provision between education, health and social care through EHCP has not been routinely achieved, as educational provision is still the main focus of the plans. Special Educational Needs Co-ordinations SENCO played a key part in supporting the transition from statements to EHCPs, though this has absorbed capacity which might otherwise have been deployed on early intervention and developing the SEN Support offer. The SEND definition could be standardised across government departments and agencies to support more consistent identification and support.