On 08 July 2025, a proposed new Bill was discussed in Parliament calling for provision to be made for the evaluation of training about special educational needs and disabilities in initial teacher education. If the Bill is passed, the legislation will require all teachers working in schools to have ongoing training specifically focused on SEND.
The Current Challenges
This Bill comes at a critical time where many families continue to struggle with a nationally broken SEND system that often leaves children without the support that they need. Many Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) can take months or even years to secure and the overstretched EHCP process results in children often going without the help they require.
In some cases families complain of teachers not recognising the signs of SEND early on. This means important early inventions can be missed altogether, resulting in children not having their needs met..
Why Training Matters
SEND needs can be complex and varied and Nesil Caliskan, Labour MP cited in Parliament that more than 50% of students with an EHCP attend a mainstream school. However, the Bill argues that teachers in these schools are still facing limited exposure to SEND topics during their training and throughout their careers, which would likely be disputed by some teachers. The Bill further states that the lack of training means that the well-meaning teachers inevitably create an exclusive education environment, which Nesil Caliskan cited, results in nine out of 10 children with SEND being left behind.
The proposed Bills seeks to address that by making SEND training a core part of the Government’s SEND Strategy and part of teacher education and continuous professional development. Teachers can better support students in the classroom and provide early intervention with additional knowledge. This has the potential to reduce the number of children whose educational needs are not met, and improving outcomes for all children. However, this alone will not resolve the national SEND crisis.
The Importance of Early intervention
Early intervention could lead to prevent behavioural needs being better met and reducing potential escalation with these, reduce exclusions and help children with SEND feel supported and understood within the school. Nesil Caliskan cited that SEND children are five times more likely to be excluded in school and have some of the widest attainment gaps of any demographic, impacting on earning potential and overall life chances.
Parents often tell us about the frustration and stress they experience, some parents spend years in attempts to get their child’s needs assessed, and receiving provision and/ or a placement to meet their child’s needs, only to find that the delay has had a lasting impact on their child’s educational progress and mental health.
Whilst it is essential for some children to attend specialist schools, and independent schools the Government’s aim is for the majority of children to attend mainstream schools. This is a bid to reduce the overall SEND costs as typically a mainstream school placement is cheaper. In order for children with SEND to be supported appropriately, mainstream school staff must have the necessary training and experience, and that will require every teacher to have the tools and knowledge to support all children with SEND. However, this isn’t sufficient on its own. Schools must be adequately resourced, which is not the case. Furthermore, there needs to be an acknowledgement that mainstream schools aren’t suitable for all children – it’s not a one size fits all situation.
The proposed Bill emphasises the need for a change and why better training in schools can make a difference, by offering practical, achievable solutions and equipping educators with knowledge so they can meet the needs of children within their classroom. However, this isn’t sufficient on its own, as schools must also have adequate funding, which is not the case. Furthermore, there needs to be an acknowledgement that mainstream schools aren’t suitable for all children – it’s not a one size fits all situation.
What happens next?
There is a long process for the Bill to go through for it to potentially become law, and not all Bills will make it through the process successfully. The seconding reading of the Bill will take place on 12 September 2025, and we will provide further updates on this as they are ready.
How can we help
We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the SEND system. Our Education Law department supports families across all stages which include assistance throughout the EHCP process, including EHCNA applications, Appeals, assistance with annual reviews, helping to secure education for children who are unable to attend school, challenging exclusions or unsuitable school placements.
If you would like to discuss your concerns regarding your child’s education with one of our specialist solicitors, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0333 202 7175 or alternatively, send us an email at education@hcbgroup.com.