Age 0-25

Legislation: Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3) and SEND Code of Practice 0–25.

Key Points:

• SEN support and EHC Plans are statutory for children 0–25.

• Local authorities must identify, assess, and provide for children with SEN.

• Schools must provide SEN Support for identified pupils, and EHC Plans to guarantee specific provision.

• Central Government sets the legal framework, funding guidance, and accountability through Ofsted.

• Local authorities have discretion over thresholds and interpretation, leading to differences in access and timing of support.

Age 25+

Legislation: Children and Families Act 2014

After 25, support moves to adult systems, mainly:

• Care Act 2014 → adult social care

• Equality Act 2010 → reasonable adjustments (employment, services)

• NHS legislation → health need

There is no equivalent replacement of an EHC Plan in adulthood

Press release: Radical expansion in rights for children with SEND

The Individual Support Plan (ISP) was officially introduced in the government’s ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper, which was laid in Parliament on Monday, 23 February 2026.This reform is in early stages, so there will be a phased rollout.

What does it mean to you? If you have an EHCP, nothing, the EHCP remains your primary legal document. Things will only change after 2030, and only if you hit a natural transition point.

Press release 23rd February 2026

Age 0-25

Legislation:

Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALN Act).

Key Points:

• Children with additional learning needs (ALN) are supported via Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

• Schools and LAs must identify ALN and provide support in line with the ALN Code.

• Welsh Government defines statutory frameworks and guidance.

• LAs have discretion in implementing early identification and intensity of provision.

Age 25+

Legislation:

Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018

After 25, support transitions to:

• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

• Equality Act 2010 Adult health services

• Wales mirrors England: education-based SEN duties stop at 25.

Wales has finished its transition to the ALNET Act, creating the most unified system in the UK.

• Irrespective of whether your needs are mild or severe, you will have a statutory Individual Development Plan (IDP). This document is a legal right for all learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) up to age 25.

• For most young adults in Further Education (FE), your college is responsible for writing and maintaining your IDP.

• The Welsh system places a massive emphasis on your consent, and if you are over 16, an IDP cannot be created or maintained if you object.

Age 0-25

Legislation: Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (as Amended 2009).

Key Points:

• Children with additional support needs (ASN) are entitled to support in education.

• The system uses Coordinated Support Plans (CSPs) for children with complex needs.

• Schools must identify and meet ASN through staged support.

• Scottish Government sets legislation and guidance; local authorities implement policies.

• Local authorities can differ in thresholds for CSPs and access to specialist support.

Age 25+

Legislation: Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004

After education ends support moves to:

• Self-directed Support (Scotland) Act 2013

• Adult health and social care integration authorities

Scotland doesn't use the term Special Needs; they use Additional Support Needs (ASN), which covers everything from dyslexia to being a young carer.

1. The only legal document in Scotland is the co-ordinated support plan (CSP), reserved for those needing multi-agency help.

• The National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy (2025-2030), guarantees you a transition plan at least 12 months before you leave school.

• Children are given legal rights from age 12, and at 16 you have the full legal rights to request assessments and go to the ASN Tribunal yourself.

Age 0-25

Legislation:

Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005; Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.

Key Points:

• Children with SEN may receive statements of SEN, support in mainstream schools, or specialist provision.

• Statements of SEN are statutory for children with complex needs.

• Department of Education Northern Ireland sets policy; schools and Education and Library Boards (ELBs) implement.

• Differences in thresholds and available specialist services across boards can create regional variation.

Age 25+

Legislation: Special Educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005

After education: support transitions to:

• Adult social services

• Disability and employment support

• Equality Act 2010 (NI equivalent provisions)

Northern Ireland is currently in the Stage 2 phase of its 2026 Enhanced Support Model rollout.