2025 in review: what has changed for children's mental health and SEND?

As we come to the end of the year, many parents have shared the same feeling with us:

Everything feels harder: getting help, knowing where to turn, and understanding what my child actually needs.

2025 has been a year full of big conversations and major announcements, alongside system-wide pressures that families have felt in very real, everyday ways.

Even so, there have been some important steps forward.

Below, we set out what’s changed this year in simple terms, and what it could mean for you and your family.

1. A national review into mental health, ADHD and autism

In December, the Government launched a major review to understand why there is such an overwhelming rise in the demand for services, and what might improve access and outcomes.

What this means for families:

For the first time, there is national recognition that the system is not working. While meaningful change will take time, this is a positive first step towards addressing the long waits, delayed diagnoses and gaps in support, offering hope that services will respond earlier and more effectively to children’s needs.

2. Data reflects more children are struggling, and the numbers show it

Recent data from the NHS and local authorities shows that:

• 1 in 5 children are now likely to be experiencing a mental health difficulty
• Referrals to NHS children’s mental health services have tripled in recent years
• Autism and ADHD waiting lists have grown significantly across the country

What this means for families:

If things feel harder at home, you are not imagining it, and you are certainly not alone.

More children than ever are in need of support, and current services are struggling to meet that level of demand. This helps to explain why families are facing longer waits and fewer clear routes to help, and is driving change towards earlier help, clearer pathways, and better support for families.

3. EHCP numbers reached an all-time high

More than 638,000 children in England now have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the highest number ever recorded.

What this means for families:

This rise reflects how many children need additional support to learn and thrive. While schools and councils are working hard, the scale of demand means assessments and decisions take a frustratingly long time for families facing everyday challenges. These growing numbers strengthen the case for systemic change.

4. SEND reforms delayed

The Government’s promised overhaul of the SEND system, originally expected this year, has been pushed to 2026.

What this means for families:

Although any reforms would not take effect immediately, delays and uncertainty can feel very unsettling.

Many parents have questions or concerns about potential changes to EHCP criteria, and it’s important to be aware that no decisions have been made yet. You’re not alone in your worries about this, and families can continue to access existing support while the review progresses.

5. Updated RSHE curriculum: more mental health and online safety

New guidance for Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) will come into force in September 2026. Schools will teach more clearly about:

• everyday mental health
• coping with anxiety and low mood
• harmful or confusing online content
• respectful behaviour and relationships

What this means for families:

Children will have more support to understand their mental health, manage difficult emotions, and navigate online risks safely. This is a positive step for wellbeing, and it gives families a stronger foundation for conversations at home.

With better resources and training, schools can make these lessons more meaningful, helping children feel better prepared both at school and in everyday life.

6. More Mental Health Support Teams in schools

Over 600 Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) are now working in schools, with plans for national coverage by 2029/30.

What this means for families:

For children in schools where an MHST is operating, there is now the opportunity to access early mental health support without waiting for specialist services. This can make a real difference in spotting issues early and helping children to cope before problems escalate.

Availability isn’t yet universal, meaning support still varies depending on where you live, but the expansion of these teams will mean more consistent, early help for all families.

7. A new child poverty strategy

The Government set out plans to lift over 550,000 children out of poverty, with changes to benefits and expansions to free school meals and breakfast clubs.

What this means for families:

Having stable food, housing and income can make a huge difference to a child’s wellbeing and mental health. These changes may seem small on paper, but for families struggling day to day, they can reduce family stress, improve children’s ability to learn, and create a more secure environment in the home, helping children to thrive.

Assembly’s perspective

This year has made one thing clear: children need help earlier, and families need support that is practical, compassionate and easy to access.

Every week we see families experiencing real, daily challenges:

• long waits for assessments
• confusing or inconsistent messages about diagnostic thresholds
• difficulties with schools, which are often stretched beyond capacity
• escalations in their child’s struggles and impacts on the whole family

This is why Assembly exists.

Our approach is simple but purposeful. We aim to identify your child’s needs early and support parents and children together. We focus on making simple, effective changes that help quickly, combining expert guidance with understanding and empathy.

Above all, we concentrate on each child’s needs, not on labels.

If you are worried about your child, unsure where to start, or feeling lost in the system, we’re here to support you.

We’re now partnering with schools, too

This year, more schools have started working with Assembly to better understand and support the children in their community.

With our neurodevelopmental screener, schools are able to spot emerging needs earlier and communicate more effectively with families. Overviews of cohort-level needs (class or year group) support simple adjustments that improve classroom experiences for all and reduce pressure on already stretched staff.

If you think your child’s school might benefit from this, or you’d like to introduce Assembly to them, we would love to speak with the SENCO, headteacher or pastoral lead.

Looking ahead to 2026

While 2025 has been challenging for children, families, schools, and support services, there are encouraging signs ahead. The new RSHE guidance, expanding MHSTs in schools, and the national mental health and SEND review point towards earlier support, clearer pathways, and practical changes that can help children thrive.

For families, this brings hope for better access to support and greater understanding of children’s needs. Change will take time, and challenges will remain, but these steps offer the potential to build a system that truly works for children and parents.