EHCP to ISP: What the 2026 SEND Reform Means for Your Child
The UK government’s SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan is transforming how children with special educational needs receive support. The centrepiece of this change is the transition from Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to a new framework centred on Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
Why Are EHCPs Changing?
The current EHCP system, introduced in 2014, was designed to improve outcomes for children with SEND. But in practice, it has become:
- Slow — Many local authorities miss the 20-week deadline. Some families wait over a year.
- Adversarial — Parents feel they have to “fight” for support. SEND Tribunal appeals have risen 300% since 2014.
- Inconsistent — A child’s support depends on which local authority they live in (the “postcode lottery”).
- Paper-heavy — Schools and councils drown in documentation while children wait for support.
The government’s aim is to create a simpler, faster system that gets the right support to children without the need for lengthy legal battles.
What Is an Individual Support Plan (ISP)?
An ISP is the proposed replacement for EHCPs. While the exact format is still being finalised through pilot programmes, the key principles are:
- Standardised nationally — The same format and quality expectations everywhere in England
- Digitally native — Created and managed on digital platforms, not paper PDFs
- Outcome-focused — Centred on measurable outcomes rather than inputs
- Multi-agency by default — Health, education, and social care built in from the start
- Faster to create — Targeting 12 weeks instead of 20
- Portable — Moves with the child between schools and local authorities
📋 EHCP vs ISP at a glance
What’s the Timeline?
The transition is happening in phases:
- 2023–2025 — Consultation, pilot programmes in selected local authorities
- 2025–2026 — National standards published, digital infrastructure rollout begins
- 2026–2028 — Phased transition — new requests may use ISP format; existing EHCPs converted at annual review
- 2028+ — Full transition expected to be complete
Your existing EHCP remains valid throughout the transition period. No child will lose their legal protections during the changeover.
What Should Parents Do Now?
- Don’t wait — If your child needs an EHCP now, apply now. The current system is still in effect and your rights are fully protected.
- Review your child’s current EHCP— Make sure Sections B, F, and I are specific, quantified, and up to date. Vague provisions won’t transfer well.
- Prepare for digital— Start thinking about your child’s outcomes in measurable terms: “by June 2027, X will be able to…”
- Use Trisende’s EHCP to ISP converter — Our AI tool analyses your existing EHCP and generates an ISP-ready version, highlighting gaps and strengthening outcome statements.
Trisende’s EHCP to ISP Converter
Trisende has built the UK’s first AI-powered EHCP to ISP conversion tool. Upload your child’s current EHCP and receive:
- A restructured document in the emerging ISP format
- Strengthened outcome statements with measurable targets
- Gap analysis — identifying where provision is vague or missing
- A plain-English summary you can share with the school
Try the EHCP to ISP Converter →
Will My Child’s Legal Rights Change?
The government has committed that ISPs will carry the same legal weight as EHCPs. Key protections that will remain:
- Right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal
- Right to name a preferred school or setting
- Legal duty on the local authority to provide the specified support
- Annual review requirement
- Support from birth to age 25
The transition is about improving the process, not removing protections.
Stay Informed
Trisende is tracking every aspect of the SEND reform. Create a free account to:
- Receive updates when ISP guidance is published
- Access the EHCP to ISP converter
- Connect with other parents preparing for the transition
- Search 110,000+ verified SEND listings across the UK