Three of my four children have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). These are legal documents that assess and outline each child’s specific needs, ensuring they receive the right support by law. A well-written EHCP, especially its legal protections, is crucial—without it, there would be no way to hold schools accountable or guarantee proper education for children with special needs.
So, I was deeply concerned when the government recently proposed reforms that might scrap EHCPs. Ministers argued the current system is failing, with local authorities overwhelmed by rising demand for special educational needs (SEND) support. The government’s final plans will be published in October, and I worry about what this means for children like mine.
One of my children was diagnosed with autism at seven. Though they met academic targets, school was a daily struggle—withdrawal, fear, isolation, and meltdowns at home. The school didn’t understand, and as the pressure grew in their teens, my husband and I fought relentlessly: pushing for an EHCP, facing tribunals, battling an unsympathetic school, and desperately seeking therapy.
Society’s expectations—and our fear of truancy officers—made us push our child harder, pleading with them to go to school. For months, they resisted until one day, they simply refused. Their attendance plummeted. The system had broken them, and eventually, a severe self-harm incident made it clear no one was listening. We spent days in the hospital on suicide watch. Even then, bullying messages still reached their phone (94% of autistic children face bullying). Something had to change.
We eventually secured a partial EHCP, but by then, our child’s needs had worsened. Two years later, a dedicated SEND officer stepped in, securing top-tier support that transformed everything. If our child couldn’t face school, a teaching assistant would come to our home, bridging the gap until they could attend nearly every day.
Another of our children, who is adopted and has complex needs, was repeatedly excluded from school. It took over two years to get an EHCP and the right placement. Permanent exclusions have risen by 39% in England, disproportionately affecting SEND children. With thousands waiting over 20 weeks for an EHCP, classroom struggles are inevitable.
Our third autistic child spent three years (ages 11–14) without schooling while we searched for a suitable school within an hour’s distance. Finally, a private autism school was found—costly for the council, but without the EHCP, they might never have returned to education. Without support, parents often leave work to become full-time carers, teachers, and therapists. The long-term consequences? Unemployment, mental health crises, and tragically, early death (autistic people are nine times more likely to die by suicide). The cost to society is immense.
These stories show why EHCPs are vital. Without them, many children refuse school entirely. When a system fails to listen, the damage is irreversible.When a child reacts with aggression or violence, they’re showing us that school isn’t meeting their needs. Before getting an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), my child realized that acting out would get them removed from the classroom to a quieter space – which was exactly what they wanted. This was their way of telling staff that without proper support, the classroom environment was unbearable. An EHCP would have provided my child with a dedicated teaching assistant and proper support strategies.
Many children with special educational needs struggle in school without adequate help. With growing mental health challenges – only 32% of children who try to access mental health services actually receive support – these issues can quickly spiral out of control.
I’ve been in meetings where Christine Lenehan, the government’s Send adviser, has suggested scrapping EHCPs. This idea always causes panic among parents and educators. It’s important to note that most EHCP applications come from schools, not parents. Without these plans, teachers are left unprepared, and their dedication to teaching turns into frustration.
So far, teachers’ voices haven’t been heard in this debate. An Ofsted report shows that 30% of teachers want more Send training. Teachers depend heavily on teaching assistants, and a single child’s EHCP might fund that extra support. We need to empower teachers and recognize the vital role of teaching assistants. School leaders must create inclusive environments for both staff and students, but they can’t do this without proper awareness, training, funding, and legal backing.
The current delays in issuing EHCPs show just how crucial they are. Without them, children end up at home, missing school, social connections, and education – most importantly, they lose their sense of belonging. This affects their entire future. They may never join the workforce, form meaningful relationships, or find their place in society. The government has considered the cost of EHCPs – now it needs to consider the cost of not providing them.
Carrie Grant is a TV presenter, voice coach, and parent of four children with special educational needs.
Support services:
– UK: Mind (0300 123 3393), Childline (0800 1111)
– US: Mental Health America (call/text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org)
– Australia: Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Lifeline (13 11 14), MensLine (1300 789 978)
FAQS
### **FAQs About Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities**
#### **Beginner-Level Questions**
**1. What does SEND stand for?**
SEND stands for **Special Educational Needs and Disabilities**, referring to children who need extra support in learning due to physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
**2. Why is supporting children with SEND important?**
Providing support helps them thrive in education, build confidence, and develop skills for independence. Without it, they may struggle more, leading to higher long-term costs for society.
**3. What are common types of SEND?**
Examples include autism, dyslexia, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities.
**4. How does early support benefit children with SEND?**
Early intervention improves learning outcomes, reduces behavioral challenges, and helps them integrate better in school and society.
**5. What happens if children with SEND don’t get enough support?**
They may fall behind academically, face social isolation, and struggle with mental health, leading to greater societal costs in healthcare, welfare, and unemployment.
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#### **Advanced-Level Questions**
**6. How does supporting SEND children save money in the long run?**
Investing in education and therapy now reduces future costs like special care, unemployment benefits, and criminal justice system expenses.
**7. What are the biggest challenges in providing SEND support?**
Limited funding, lack of trained staff, long waiting lists for assessments, and inconsistent policies across schools.
**8. How can schools better support SEND students?**
By providing individualized learning plans, teacher training, assistive technology, and inclusive classroom strategies.
**9. What role do parents play in advocating for SEND children?**
Parents should collaborate with schools, request assessments, attend meetings, and push for necessary resources to ensure their child’s needs are met.
**10. Are there successful examples of SEND support making a difference?**
Yes—many children with proper support go on to succeed in education, employment, and independent living, proving that early investment pays off.
**11. How can society help reduce the cost of SEND support?**
By advocating for better funding, inclusive policies, and community programs that support families and educators.
