Kellie Bright, widely recognised for her role as Linda Carter in EastEnders, recently opened up about her personal journey as a parent navigating the complexities of securing appropriate support for her autistic son, who also has dyslexia and ADHD. Bright's experience reflects a broader challenge faced by many families across England in accessing adequate education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). She recounts the arduous process of applying for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), a critical, legally binding document that stipulates the educational provisions a child is entitled to receive. The exhaustive paperwork and prolonged negotiations required to obtain an EHCP can be a daunting and exhausting ordeal for parents.

The landscape for families seeking support is vast, with over 1.7 million children in England identified as having Send, a broad category that encompasses a range of conditions such as autism, speech and language difficulties, ADHD, and physical disabilities. While schools generally provide some level of support, an EHCP becomes essential when more intensive, tailored assistance is necessary. As Bright illustrates through the story of 15-year-old Buddy, whose mother Tunde faced repeated refusals before securing an EHCP, the system can appear unresponsive and fragmented. Buddy’s initial EHCP application was rejected before a formal assessment, a common scenario given that councils reportedly turn down around a quarter of such applications at this stage. Despite moving to London with hopes of better support, Buddy remains unable to attend school full-time, receiving limited tuition in a library setting, highlighting how delays and uncertainties can profoundly affect children’s socialisation and learning.

In contrast to England, Scotland employs a different approach to Send support, with schools providing more comprehensive assistance without necessarily requiring formal EHCP equivalents. Tunde’s experience in Scotland, where her son’s educational needs were addressed more seamlessly, sharply contrasts with the English system, which often places parents in the position of relentless advocates. The time and energy invested by Tunde resulted in her temporarily stepping back from her professional role as a midwife and health visitor, underscoring the personal sacrifices parents often make to secure necessary care.

The rising demand for EHCPs presents significant challenges for local authorities. Recent figures indicate a notable increase, with over 638,000 EHCPs issued as of early 2025—a 10.8% rise in a single year and an 80% increase over six years. This surge reflects improved identification and diagnosis rather than a sudden escalation in the prevalence of Send conditions. However, the financial implications are stark; councils face an escalating funding gap projected to reach between £4.3 billion and £4.9 billion by March 2026. West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for children, young people, and learning, Jacquie Russell, has openly described the current Send system as "broken," citing unsustainable pressure on resources, high staff sickness levels, and an adversarial atmosphere that leaves families exhausted. The growing deficit diverts funds from other local services, complicating councils’ ability to deliver effective support.

The government acknowledges these financial and operational pressures and purports to be working towards major reforms aimed at improving the system. Significant investment has been made, including a billion pounds to aid council funding for EHCPs and £740 million allocated for creating new Send school places. Georgia Gould, the minister for school standards, emphasises that reforms will not reduce support but aim to provide assistance earlier, thereby preventing the need for protracted battles over individual plans. She highlights the intent to maintain the legal rights underpinning EHCPs and to collaborate closely with parents to ensure that changes are both effective and compassionate.

However, this vision faces scrutiny and concern. Campaigners and some education professionals worry that proposed reforms could undermine statutory rights to support, potentially leaving some children without legally guaranteed access to appropriate education. A recent rally by worried parents in Westminster reflects the unease among families who have long struggled within the current system. The tension between ensuring adequate funding, delivering timely and suitable support, and protecting the rights of children with Send continues to be a contentious policy area.

Government sources provide extensive guidance on Send, clarifying types of support available in schools and the criteria for EHCP assessments. Schools in England offer tailored learning programmes and additional help through teaching assistants or specialised staff. Yet, navigating these systems remains a challenge for many parents, who often report frustration with inconsistent practices across local authorities.

In summary, while advances have been made in recognising and supporting children with special educational needs, systemic issues in funding, administration, and communication persist. Parents like Kellie Bright and Tunde personify the perseverance required to advocate for children’s rights and the personal toll of enduring a system under strain. The upcoming government reforms seek to address these shortcomings, but their success will depend on balancing fiscal realities with the urgent, diverse needs of vulnerable children and their families.

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Source: Noah Wire Services