Age 0-25

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

SEN support and EHC Plans are a legal right for young people aged 0–25, which means local authorities have to find, assess, and support people with SEN, and schools have to give the right help and follow EHC Plans. But even though the government sets the rules and Ofsted checks schools, local authorities can do things differently, so the support you get can depend on where you live.

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).

Under the ALN Act, children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) get support through something called an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This means schools and local authorities have to spot your needs and give you the right help. The Welsh Government sets the rules, and the system is meant to be more joined-up. Everyone with ALN has the right to an IDP up to age 25, and in college, they usually manage it. It also focuses on your choice, if you’re over 16, they can’t make or continue an IDP if you don’t agree. However, local authorities still decide how early they spot needs and how much help you get, so it can be different depending on where you live.

Age 25+

Legislation: Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018

After age 25, education support stops and help moves to adult services instead. This is covered by laws like the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010, plus health services. It’s similar in England too, where SEN support also ends at 25 and you don’t get support through the education system anymore.

Age 0-25

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

In Scotland, children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) have the right to get help at school, and if needs are more serious, they might get a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP), this brings different services together. The Scottish Government sets the rules, but local councils run things, so support can be different depending on where you live.

From age 12 you get more rights, and at 16 you can make your own requests and even go to tribunal, there should also be a plan put in place to help you move on from school, starting at least a year before you leave.

Age 25+

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

After education ends, support moves away from the education system and into adult services under laws like the Self-directed Support (Scotland) Act 2013 and adult health and social care services.

Age 0-25

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

Children with SEN in Northern Ireland can get support in mainstream schools or go to specialist schools if they need more help, children and young people with more complex needs will get a Statement of SEN, which is a legal plan setting out the support needed. The DofE sets the rules, and schools and ELBs put them into practice. However, support can vary depending on where you live.

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.