# What do the 2026 SEND reforms mean for autistic children?

> The Schools White Paper's proposals, the new levels of support and Individual Support Plans, what happens to EHCPs, and the timeline.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/send-reforms-2026
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** The Schools White Paper, published on 23 February 2026, proposes a new SEND system in England: four levels of support (universal, targeted, targeted plus and specialist), statutory digital Individual Support Plans from September 2029, and EHCPs kept for the most complex needs. The government says no changes to support in existing EHCPs would happen before at least September 2030. Legislation is still to come.

**Key takeaways**
- Published **23 February 2026**; consultation closed **18 May 2026**.
- Proposes **four levels of support** and **Individual Support Plans** from **September 2029**.
- **EHCPs** stay for the **most complex needs**.
- **No changes to existing EHCP support before at least September 2030.**

## What did the White Paper propose?

The Schools White Paper, "Every Child Achieving and Thriving", includes major proposals for SEND in England:[1][2]

| Proposal | What it means |
| --- | --- |
| Four levels of support | Universal, targeted, targeted plus and specialist |
| Individual Support Plans | Statutory digital plans, reviewed at least annually, from September 2029 |
| EHCPs | Kept for children with the most complex needs |
| Reassessment | EHCP reassessment at transitions between phases from 2029 |
| More inclusion in mainstream | Stronger expectations for mainstream schools' universal offer |

## What happens to existing EHCPs?

The government says no changes to support received through EHCPs would take place before **at least September 2030**.[1] Until new law is passed, the current law and the SEND Code of Practice still apply.[3]

## What does it mean for autistic children?

Many autistic children are supported through SEN support today, so the "universal" and "targeted" levels, and Individual Support Plans, could shape their daily experience. Good universal practice, like visual timetables, predictable routines and calm spaces, matters more than ever.

**Still proposals.** These are proposals, not law. Details may change as legislation goes through Parliament. We'll update this page as
  things change.

**Keep good records now.** Whatever changes, clear evidence of your child's needs and what helps will be useful. A one-page profile is a good
  start.

**Get free advice if....** you're worried about your child's current support. IPSEA and your local SENDIASS give free, independent advice on the
  law as it stands today.

Free printable: [Free printable: one-page pupil profile](https://theautismkit.com/printables/pupil-profile.pdf)

## What can I do now?

- [ ] Keep your child's reports and plans in one place
- [ ] Ask school how they'll prepare for the changes
- [ ] Follow updates from the Department for Education

Read next: [What is an EHCP?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-an-ehcp)

## Common questions

### Will my child lose their EHCP?

The government says no changes to support received through existing EHCPs would happen before at least September 2030. Under the proposals, EHCPs remain for the most complex needs, with reassessment at phase transfers from 2029.

### What is an Individual Support Plan?

A proposed statutory digital plan for pupils who need support beyond the universal offer, reviewed at least annually. The proposal is for ISPs to become a requirement from September 2029.

### Is any of this law yet?

No. The proposals were consulted on until 18 May 2026, and legislation was expected from the parliamentary session starting in autumn 2026. Current law and the SEND Code of Practice still apply.

## Sources

1. GOV.UK Education Hub: Schools white paper, what parents need to know about changes to the SEND system (May 2026). https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/schools-white-paper-what-parents-need-to-know-about-changes-to-the-send-system/
2. House of Commons Library: The Schools White Paper 2026, SEND reform. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10550/
3. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.