The government has released its long-awaited schools white paper today, Every child achieving and thriving. It lays out its plans for the future of the education system, including major reforms to special education needs and disability (SEND) support.

This paper will now enter a 12-week consultation period, but it is an important indication of what might change in future.

We know that many families have been extremely concerned about what reform means for them and their child. We hope this article clarifies what might change and when.

The current education system is outdated for many reasons, especially when it comes to SEND support. Families are having to fight for support, schools are strained, and councils are facing unsustainable costs. Often, it’s a postcode lottery for what support is available, and many families are forced into the tribunal process.

Adapting the system, if done right, could make SEND support more equal. This could help address the additional barriers faced by autistic people with multiple marginalised identities.

1. Making mainstream schools more inclusive. The government wants mainstream education to be more inclusive and is committing funding to SEND training for all staff and to make buildings more inclusive.
   
   
2. Addressing the sharp rise of EHCPs
   
   -By making mainstream schools more inclusive and supportive, the government expects demand for EHCPs to slow down. By 2035, they expect EHCPs to be at the levels we see today, with only those with the most complex needs receiving one. For those with less complex needs, schools will deliver annual individual support plans (ISPs).
   -EHCP reviews will happen when a child changes school, or at key transition times, such as moving to college or from primary to secondary school.
   -These changes will come into effect in 2030. This means that children with existing EHCPs won’t see any changes until the legislation comes in and that phase of their education is over. At that point, their support needs will be reassessed.
   
   
3. Evidence-based personalised support. The government has committed to evidence-based interventions and practical support, funding research to address gaps in knowledge.

Reform of the SEND system is necessary. The ambition to strengthen early help and improve mainstream inclusion reflects what families have long called for.

Offering additional resources to make mainstream education more inclusive could broaden opportunities for autistic young people and strengthen their sense of belonging. To get this right, schools must have sustainable funding, well-trained staff, access to specialist expertise, evidence-based interventions, adapted or smaller group provision, and embedded mental health support.

We are pleased that the government plans to take an evidence-based approach to support and fund research to address any evidence gaps. Research finds what works and what doesn’t, so support is targeted and effective.

Moving away from EHCPs towards ISPs means support could be more flexible and reactive to the child's needs. However, it is not clear whether ISPs will be legally binding, like EHCPs. This is understandably a concern for many parents. Schools must be adequately supported to carry out these plans and must be held accountable for providing the right support.

Rebecca Sterry, our interim CEO, says, ‘We know the current system isn’t working for autistic people and their families, schools and councils. As the changes come into effect, we want to see quality training and interventions informed by evidence, to help autistic children feel safe, supported and able to learn in a setting that’s right for them. We stand ready to work with the government to ensure this reform delivers real improvement in children's lives. The measure of success will be whether autistic children experience greater stability, earlier support and improved wellbeing, and how involved families feel in decision making.'

We’re working in collaboration with other autism charities and NHS England to develop new assessment and support models. Our researchers are testing a World Health Organisation strengths and needs tool called the ICF Toolkit™, which is designed to help educators, autistic people and families to work together to identify their potential support needs. It’s designed for individuals with or without a diagnosis. This can open up support for the many thousands of people on assessment waiting lists.

We will support the government to feed in the views of autistic young people, families and professionals during the 12-week consultation period following this white paper. We welcome the opportunity to work with the government to build evidence for tools like this, to improve SEND and help every autistic child get the tailored support they deserve.

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