Huge reforms to SEND provision by the government will not result in "immediate" changes in Leicestershire, council bosses have said in a message to affected parents – that's despite soaring costs and proposed closures of some facilities in the county.

The Labour government announced on Monday (February 23) major changes to the system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including ensuring that children with only the most complex needs qualify for education, health and care plans (EHCPs) by 2035.

EHCPs identify what children need and outline the support they should receive, with Leicestershire County Council having a legal duty to carry out assessments, issue and ensure the provision is made.

The government is planning to introduce new ISPs – individual support plans -by 2029, which health officials are calling "flexible" compared to EHCPs, which will be a legal requirement for the support children need.

Pupils who get ISPs and EHCPs will also get three new layers of support, including 'targeted' support, 'targeted plus' support and 'specialist support', depending on their needs, giving them access to things ranging from laptops for children with dyslexia or access to psychologists.

Recent documents in the council's budget found that it has been struggling with rising SEND costs, which it called "unsustainable". Council officers found that the number of children and young people with EHCPs increased by 22 per cent from 2025 to November 2025.

Financial documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) found that SEND costs are set to increase by £61.5m over the next four years.

The council said it was introducing a "whole-system approach," including "robust EHCP gatekeeping and reviews" and "reducing early years specialist placements".

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It is also facing backlash over proposals to close four SEND nurseries in Leicestershire, with a motion passed last week at the county council's budget meeting urging the Reform-led authority to rethink its plans.

In response to the proposed changes, councillors have called them "an important step forward" and have sent a message to parents about the major reform.

Councillor Charles Pugsley, lead member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: "As we review the detail, we want to reassure families and professionals in Leicestershire that nothing will change immediately.

"In the coming months, we will work with parents, carers, young people, school leaders and partners to design any proposed changes, ensuring no gaps in provision and a smooth transition. Our priority is to ensure any changes genuinely meet the needs of Leicestershire's children and young people."