Government faces battle over Send overhaul as campaigners voice fears

MPs and parents worry shake-up may abolish vital education, health and care plans that SEN children rely on

Downing Street is facing another bruising battle following last week's humiliating retreat on welfare reforms, as MPs, campaigners and parents voice concern at its overhaul of special needs education for children in England.

A letter to the Guardian, signed by dozens of special needs and disability charities and campaigners - including the broadcaster Chris Packham, actor Sally Phillips and Jane Asher, actor and president of the National Autistic Society - says parents fear the reforms may restrict or abolish the vital education, health and care plans (EHCPs) that more than 600,000 children and young people rely on for individual support.