Written question asked by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Friday, 29 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that there are legal mechanisms for parents to hold education providers accountable for implementing individual support plans effectively and appropriately.

Answer

Individual Support Plans (ISPs) will provide a record of need and provision for any child or young person receiving targeted, targeted plus or specialist support in school or college. They will allow settings to work alongside parents, providing a single, consistent record of what support has been tried, what has worked and what needs to change.

Under the proposals, settings will have a legal duty to produce an ISP for every child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those who also have an education health and care plan. Where there are concerns about provision within an ISP, parents and young people would be able to raise these directly with the setting. The department’s proposals include strengthening the complaints process through having an independent SEND expert on panels to hear complaints concerning provision for a child with SEND.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL354
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Special educational needs
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Special Educational Needs

Secondary information

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