April has been another significant month for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England. While individual headlines change, the underlying message remains consistent: too many families are still navigating a system that is overstretched, delayed and struggling to meet children’s needs.
For parents and carers, these issues are not abstract policy debates. They affect whether a child receives the support they need to learn, feel safe and thrive.
Schools cutting SEND support
One of the most concerning developments this month has been reports that schools are reducing SEND support due to ongoing funding pressures.
A recent survey reported by The Guardian found that:
- 71% of school leaders have cut teaching assistant roles in the past year
- 49% have reduced other support staff
- 81% expect further cuts in the year ahead
For many children with SEND, teaching assistants and support staff are not optional extras. They are essential in helping children regulate, communicate, access learning and remain in mainstream education. Reductions in support can have a direct and immediate impact on a child’s ability to attend school and make progress.
SEND reform debated in Parliament
SEND provision and reform were debated in Parliament this month, with cross‑party recognition that the current system is under serious strain.
Key issues raised included:
- lengthy delays for Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments
- tribunal appeals becoming routine rather than exceptional
- mainstream schools lacking sufficient resources
- a shortage of specialist placements
- the growing pressure on families to fight for basic provision
For many parents, this debate echoed what they have been saying for years. The fact that these concerns are now being openly acknowledged highlights the scale of the challenge facing the SEND system.
Government SEND consultation remains open
The Government’s consultation on SEND reform remains open until 18 May 2026. Proposals include:
- the introduction of Individual Support Plans for children with SEND
- stronger inclusion duties on mainstream schools
- digital EHCPs
- new national standards
- wider access to specialist services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and educational psychology
It is important for families to understand that these are proposals, not law. Existing legal rights relating to EHCPs and SEND provision remain fully in force.
Concerns about EHCP rights
This month, parent groups and legal charities raised concerns that proposed reforms could weaken the enforceable rights currently attached to EHCPs.
Organisations supporting families have encouraged parents to engage with the consultation process, stressing that reform must strengthen support and accountability — not dilute legal protections that many children rely on to access education.
Inclusion must be properly supported
The Government has made clear its ambition for more children with SEND to be educated successfully in mainstream schools. However, inclusion without proper support risks failing the very children it is intended to help.
Meaningful inclusion requires:
- appropriately trained staff
- access to therapeutic input
- manageable class sizes
- sensory and environmental support
- behavioural expertise
- adequate and sustainable funding
Without these foundations, inclusion can become placement without provision.
Final thoughts
April’s SEND news reinforces three difficult but important truths:
- Families are still fighting for support
- Schools are under increasing pressure
- Children cannot afford to wait
Reform is necessary, but it must be built on enforceable rights, timely support and real accountability. Behind every headline is a child who only gets one education — and families deserve a system that works with them, not against them.
How can we help
At Enable Law, we are committed to supporting families to secure the education and support their children are entitled to throughout this evolving SEND landscape.
Our specialised education team has decades of experience helping families secure and maintain the right education provision for their child/young person. To speak with a member of our education team and have an initial free discussion about your concerns and how we can help call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form.
