SEND children will be given digital passports to ‘track their needs’ say Labour, in new four-tier shake up of EHCP system.

In England, over 1.7 million school children are identified as having SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). From speech, language and communication needs to learning difficulties, in 2024-2025 government data showed that around 19.6% of all pupils in schools in England have SEND, and 1.3 million receive SEN support in schools.

Plus, around half a million school children have EHCP (Educational Health and Care Plan) plans. These entitle them to additional, legally-protected support.

However, that could all be about to change. In a proposed government shake-up, a new system could be introduced, meaning children would be assessed for SEND assistance in a different way.