Proposed changes to the UK’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system have sparked serious debate among educators, parents, and support organisations. With reforms that could reduce the legal rights of children with additional needs and shift more responsibility onto mainstream schools, many families are asking: what happens next — and how can they make sure their child doesn’t fall behind?

What Are the Proposed SEND Changes?

In 2025, the government is reviewing whether Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) should be replaced or restructured. The goal? To simplify a system that’s been described as inconsistent, costly, and bureaucratic. Under the new proposals, many children with SEND may be placed in mainstream schools with in-school support — rather than separate specialist provisions.

While some welcome the push for greater inclusion, others worry this could result in fewer resources for pupils with complex needs — and reduced legal protection for families.

For more targeted support, many parents are now turning to special needs tutors who offer consistent, one-to-one learning in a safe and tailored environment.

How These Changes Could Affect Families and Students

Without the legal backing of EHCPs, families may struggle to access the specialist help their children need. Some mainstream schools — already facing staffing and funding pressures — may find it difficult to deliver appropriate support for every child with additional needs.

This can lead to:

Students being left behind in core subjects like maths and English
Greater stress and anxiety for children in unsupported environments
Increased demand for private intervention — including tutoring

The Role of Tutors in Supporting SEND Students

Specialist tutors can offer personalised support that mainstream schools simply don’t have time to provide. With smaller ratios, patient guidance, and adaptable teaching strategies, tutors can help SEND students thrive — both academically and emotionally.

Many parents are now choosing tutors to help with:

Literacy and numeracy development
Preparing for SATs, GCSEs or functional skills qualifications
Building confidence and independence through routine
Home education when school isn’t the right fit

Explore qualified SEND tutors or find home education support on TutorExtra.

Real Stories: When Mainstream Isn’t Enough

Take Jamie, a Year 5 student with ADHD and mild dyslexia. Despite support from his school’s SENCO, he was falling further behind in reading comprehension. With the help of a weekly private tutor specialising in SEND, Jamie began to improve — not just in reading, but in self-esteem and classroom engagement.

Stories like these are increasingly common, especially where the system struggles to meet each child’s individual learning pace.

What Parents Can Do Next

It’s vital that parents stay informed as these reforms develop. If your child is likely to be affected by the changes to SEND provision:

Review any current EHCP or SEN support plans
Speak with your child’s school SENCO about future provision
Consider extra support such as tutoring, mentoring or home education
Use platforms like TutorExtra to find tutors with specialist experience in autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other needs

Conclusion: Tutors as Part of the Solution

The SEND reforms may simplify the system on paper — but they also raise concerns about support in practice. For parents and carers, the priority remains the same: making sure children with additional needs have every opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.

Explore TutorExtra’s network of special needs tutors to find flexible, expert help — online or in your area.