What is an ISP?
According to the Every Child Achieving and Thriving (Schools White Paper, 23 February 2026) and the DfE Education Hub explainer (13 May 2026), an Individual Support Plan would be:
- Held and managed by the school, not the local authority
- Written in plain English with the family
- Reviewed at least annually
- Backed by stronger statutory duties on schools to deliver ordinarily available SEN provision
- Aimed at most children currently on SEN Support and many with mainstream EHCPs
The White Paper does not abolish EHCPs. The DfE has confirmed that EHCPs — in a reformed, digital form — will continue for children with complex needs, alongside new Specialist Provision Packages in mainstream or specialist settings. For those children, the day-to-day support will be recorded in their ISP, sitting alongside the EHCP.
The Government has confirmed its intention to legislate via a new Education for All Bill, announced in this year's King's Speech. The Bill is still subject to the consultation outcome and is not yet law.
How ISPs differ from EHCPs
| Feature | EHCP | ISP (proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Held by | Local authority | School |
| Legal duty | Section 42 — LA must secure Section F | Stronger duties on schools (TBC) |
| Tribunal appeal | Yes — First-tier Tribunal (SEND) | Not yet specified |
| Timeline to issue | 20 weeks statutory | Intended to be faster (TBC) |
| For whom | All children where provision can't be made from school resources | Most mainstream SEND children; EHCPs continue for complex needs |
What we don't know yet
Important detail is still missing — and will only be settled when legislation is published after the SEND reforms consultation (which closed 18 May 2026):
- Whether ISP provision will be legally enforceable on the school
- What appeal rights parents will have
- How disputes between school and LA will be resolved
- How funding will follow the child
Frequently asked questions
What is an Individual Support Plan?
An Individual Support Plan (ISP) is a proposed school-based plan that would set out the support a child with SEND receives. It is intended to be simpler and quicker than an EHCP, and held by the school rather than by the local authority.
When would ISPs become statutory?
The White Paper proposes that ISPs become a statutory requirement from September 2029. Until then, schools may pilot or trial them, but they are not legally required.
Will an ISP be legally enforceable like Section F of an EHCP?
The detail has not been confirmed. The current EHCP system gives an absolute, named-child duty on the local authority under section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014. The Government has said ISPs will be backed by stronger duties on schools, but the exact legal weight will depend on the legislation when it is published.
Will ISPs replace EHCPs?
Not entirely. EHCPs are expected to continue for children with the most complex needs, particularly those in special schools or specialist provision. ISPs are designed for children whose needs can be met in mainstream with the right support.
Sources
- Every Child Achieving and Thriving — Schools White Paper, GOV.UK
- Schools white paper: What parents need to know about changes to the SEND system — DfE Education Hub, 13 May 2026
- SEND reforms consultation — GOV.UK
- Section 42, Children and Families Act 2014 — legislation.gov.uk
This page is information, not legal advice. For advice about your own case, contact IPSEA, SOSSEN or your local SENDIASS.