Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan published on 2 March 2023, how the new standardised EHCP process will support people who do not have access to digital technologies.

The proposals to introduce a standardised education, health and care (EHC) plan template and digitise the associated processes, set out in the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, committed to delivering standardised EHC plans by 2025 and to continue work on developing digital requirements.

The department will work in partnership with those who use the SEND system, including parents, carers, children and young people, local authorities, to hear as many views as possible. We will also ensure that accessibility for all groups is considered, including those who do not speak English as their first language.

For the proposals regarding digital EHC plan systems, this will also include considering access to technology.