SEND White Paper
We know that national conversations about SEND reforms and the Schools White Paper can feel uncertain or overwhelming. Many families have told us they want clear information, honest updates, and reassurance that their children’s needs will continue to be understood and supported. We want you to know that you are not expected to navigate this alone.
The Government has set out proposals to improve consistency, reduce delays, and strengthen support for children and young people with SEND. These proposals are still being developed nationally. As more details become available, we will share them here in clear, accessible language.
At this stage, nothing about your child’s current support, EHCP, or school placement changes. Your rights as parent carers remain the same. Schools, settings, and the local authority will continue to follow the current SEND Code of Practice.
We are committed to being open, honest, and proactive as national reforms develop. We will:
- Share updates in plain language
- Explain what changes mean in practice
- Offer opportunities to ask questions and give feedback
- Continue to work with parent carers, schools, and young people to shape local SEND support.
We understand how deeply you advocate for your children, and we are here alongside you. As national reforms progress, our priority remains the same: ensuring children and young people with SEND receive the support, understanding, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Frequently asked questions
What is a White Paper?
A White Paper shares ideas and suggestions that the government thinks will improve an issue. This is the very start of making changes to a law, and the ideas and suggestions in the White Paper can change as everyone discusses what they mean and how they might work. This White Paper is looking in detail at special educational needs and disability support for children and young people.
What does consultation mean?
A consultation is a process that allows people to share information, suggestions, and ideas to help make decisions. A consultation usually lasts for a set amount of time.
In the case of this White Paper and consultation, everyone will have 12 weeks from the start of the consultation, 23rd February 2026 to discuss the ideas and suggestions in the White Paper and send their thoughts to the government using this e-mail address: [email protected]
The consultation closes on Monday 18th May at 23:30. The Department for Education will then look at all the new information, ideas and suggestions about the White Paper that have been shared. They will decide if any of the ideas and suggestions given, need to inform change to The White Paper.
What will happen to EHCPs?
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will stay in place for children who need more support than is routinely available in mainstream schools.
No child is losing support they need.
When will I start to see changes?
Transition to the new system will begin in September 2030 once the new inclusive mainstream system has been fully built.
Transitions will then only happen as children naturally move between phases, like primary to secondary. No one will move midway through a phase of education.
How can I be involved in feeding into this consultation?
The consultation is open to anyone who wishes to respond. We encourage parent carers of children and young people with SEND, as well as young people themselves, to share their views and experiences with the Department for Education.
Useful links
- SEND White Paper: Every child achieving and thriving
- SEND White Paper: Easy Read
- Schools white paper: What parents need to know about changes to the SEND system
- SEND reform: Consultation
- SEND reform: Have you say (word)
- Every child achieving and thriving - British Sign Language (BSL) version
- SEND reform: putting children and young people first - British Sign Language (BSL) version