Sponsors for 14 new special free schools announced

A range of measures are being launched to provide support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

New data published today (29 March) shows almost 222,000 children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) have had their care reviewed, as part of the government’s introduction of new Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

The new EHC plans provide tailored support for children and young people with SEND, bringing together their education, health and social care needs for the first time and replacing the old Statements of SEN.

These plans make sure all children have the opportunity to succeed in the future and tackle inequalities in the education system to ensure Britain is a country that works for everyone.

Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi has also announced sponsors for 14 new special free schools across the country.

The new schools will create more than 1,100 high-quality school places for children with multiple learning needs, including children with autism and mental health needs.

The schools will open under the government’s free schools programme to offer parents more choice and help raise educational standards.

The government has also launched a national trial to give the SEND Tribunal new powers, which give parents and young people new rights to appeal decisions on the social care and health parts of their plan. alongside their existing rights around education.

The SEND Tribunal hears appeals about EHC plans where there are disputes, but until now only had powers to look in to concerns on the education element of the plan, creating additional burdens for families or young people who had concerns about the health or social care elements.

Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “We want every child to have the support they need to unlock their potential, whatever their background and no matter what challenges they face.

“Our new Education, Health and Care Plans are putting the views of young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families at the heart of the process so they can help shape the support they receive.

“It’s been a huge task to transfer every young person to one of these plans but local authorities have risen to the challenge with almost 222,000 cases reviewed and I congratulate them for it. We are now working with councils to make sure they carry out the remaining reviews and the new EHC plans are of the highest quality.

“To complement this work we are also opening new special free schools across the country that will provide tailored support for over a thousand children to ensure they have access to the excellent education that every child deserves.”

EHC plans are a key focus of the new SEND system, ensuring, through a single plan, a more joined-up approach, bringing together services delivered by nurseries, schools, further education colleges, local health bodies and social services to meet the needs of all children and young people with SEND.

The plans also aim to support young adults in their long-term aspirations, preparing them for the world of work and living independently.