Red Lines Crossed: Why SEND Families Must Fight Back Now

Bridget Phillipson refuses to rule out cutting EHCPs for mainstream schools—and it’s time for parents to draw the line.

EHCP reforms are threatening to roll back vital legal protections for children with special educational needs in mainstream schools. As Labour’s new Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, refuses to rule out restricting EHCPs to special settings, SEND families across the UK are facing the sharp end of yet another policy pivot. And this time, the stakes are sky-high.

What Just Happened?

New Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has refused to rule out restricting Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to only children in special schools. This would be a seismic shift—gutting support for children with additional needs in mainstream settings, where most currently learn.

It’s not just policy. It’s a warning shot. And it’s time to rally.

The Real Cost of Reform

• EHCP numbers are rising – up 11% in a year, now over 482,000 in England.
• Mainstream schools currently educate the majority of those with EHCPs.
• Councils are facing massive SEND deficits, especially due to private placements.
• The Department for Education is openly questioning whether EHCPs are still “the right vehicle”—a clear sign that legal protections are on the chopping block.

The ramifications of these reforms can be profound. For instance, consider the case of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who thrives in a mainstream school setting but requires specific accommodations that an EHCP provides. Without access to such plans, their educational experience may be drastically altered, potentially leading to regression and a lack of socialisation opportunities. This is not merely a statistic; these are real families facing real challenges.

Behind the Rhetoric

Phillipson insists Labour will focus on “early identification and intervention.” But buried beneath the soft language is a hard truth: this is shaping up to be a legal and financial rollback—one that quietly strips away the only real leverage many families have.

Instead of fixing the system, they’re blaming the families using it.

It’s crucial to dissect the implications of the proposed shift in focus towards ‘early identification and intervention.’ While the notion sounds promising, it raises concerns about what this could mean for ongoing support. Families may find themselves caught in a never-ending cycle of assessments, waiting for the recognition of needs that, without an EHCP, may never materialise into tangible support. This could inadvertently place additional pressure on families already managing the complexities of SEND.

Parents Are Already Fighting

• Over 21,000 EHCP appeals were filed last year.
• 95% of parents win their appeals—clear evidence the system is failing from the start.
• Rather than fix this, new policies will likely limit appeals, weaken oversight, and tighten criteria, making it harder to fight for support.

What This Means for Children

The statistics surrounding EHCP appeals highlight a system in distress. Each appeal represents a family’s frustration with the existing framework, reflecting the systemic failings that many have encountered. Imagine a single mother who has spent countless hours gathering evidence, attending meetings, and advocating for her child’s needs, only to find that she must engage in a legal battle to secure what they are entitled to. This is the reality for many, and it underscores the urgent need for reform that genuinely addresses the root causes of these issues.

This isn’t a tweak. It’s a dismantling.

What Can You Do?

This comparison table highlights the stark contrast in experiences for families with and without EHCP access. It is vital to appreciate that these differences not only impact educational outcomes but also the overall well-being of children and their families. The stress of navigating a fragmented system can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety and feelings of isolation among parents and caregivers.

1. 📢 Speak Out Now – Contact MPs, share stories, and make this national.
2. 🧠 Know Your Rights – Legal aid, advocacy groups, and appeals matter more than ever.
3. 📷 Raise Visibility – Post real SEND stories on social media. Hashtag them. Humanise the policy debate.
4. 🤝 Build Local Alliances – Schools, parents, charities—unite across boroughs.

This Is a Red Line. Cross It, and We Push Back.

SEND families aren’t asking for luxury. We’re asking for what the law already promised: that every child, regardless of need, has the right to an education that works for them.

Phillipson may not have ruled out reform—but families must not rule out resistance.

🔗 Suggested Internal Links

• Gaslit and Blamed: How the UK Education System Fails Autistic Children and Their Parents
  Explores the persistent delays, red‑tape, and gaslighting faced by autistic families navigating the EHCP process in mainstream settings—perfect background on why reforms hit so hard.
• Autistic Parent, Forgotten Voice: Why the SEND System Ignores the Experts at Home
  Dives into how the SEND system often silences autistic parents—the lived‑experience experts—highlighting the very voices at risk if EHCP legal rights are rolled back.

Do you think mainstream schools can meet SEND needs without legal backing?
Or is this just a quiet dismantling of inclusion? In light of these developments, it is imperative that SEND families unite in their voices, demanding accountability from policymakers and seeking assurance that their needs will not be sidelined. Effective advocacy can take many forms, from grassroots campaigns to organised protests. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement advocating for the rights of SEND children in mainstream education.

This call to action isn’t merely a response to current policies; it is a plea for a future where all children can access the educational support they rightfully deserve. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but history shows that collective resistance can lead to meaningful change. Therefore, engaging with local communities and sharing strategies for advocacy is paramount.

Ultimately, the fight for SEND rights is about more than just legalities; it is about ensuring that every child has the chance to reach their potential. This struggle must be shared by all, transcending individual experiences to create a unified front that champions inclusivity and educational equity.

Do you have a child with an EHCP?
Have you already felt the squeeze from funding cuts or shifting criteria?

As we engage in this dialogue, we invite you to reflect on your experiences and insights. How have changes in SEND policies affected your family? What strategies have you employed to advocate for your child’s needs? Sharing these stories is an invaluable contribution to our collective understanding and strength.

👇 Share your experience below.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, SENCO or carer—we want your voice in this fight.