The Department for Education (DfE) has published two important national documents: a new schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, and a public consultation on major reforms to the SEND system, Putting Children and Young People First.
These proposals will shape how children and young people with SEND are supported in early years settings, schools and colleges, and will guide how education and SEND services across England provide that support in the future.
Anyone with an interest in SEND, including families, young people and professionals, is encouraged to read the proposals and share their views before the consultation closes on 18 May 2026.
About these proposals and why they are important
The government has released two linked but separate documents:
- The Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving – setting out long‑term plans for education in England.
- The SEND Reform Consultation: Putting Children and Young People First – focusing specifically on proposed changes to the SEND system.
Together, these documents set out how early years settings, schools, colleges, health services and local authorities will support children and young people with SEND in the years ahead, with long‑term plans for how services will work, be funded and be held accountable.
The DfE has also created shorter, easy‑to‑read guides for parents, carers and professionals. You can find these in the Useful Links section at the end of this page.
Why it is important to have your say
These proposals would make the most significant changes to SEND since the Children and Families Act 2014. They will influence:
- how support is provided in early years settings, schools and colleges
- the services available to families
- how education, health and local authorities work together
- the way decisions about support are made and reviewed
The government has been gathering views from families, young people and professionals across the country. The current consultation is a formal opportunity to share your feedback before the plans are finalised. Your views will help shape how the final reforms are designed and how they will work in practice.
No immediate changes to existing EHCPs
We want to reassure parents that there will be no immediate changes to existing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Any changes to the EHCP system will not begin until 2030, and only when children naturally move to the next stage of education, such as from primary to secondary school.
You can find more detailed information about EHCPs in the Useful Links section below.
How to respond to the consultation
Details on how to respond to the consultation are available on the SEND Reform website.
SEND Reform Consultation (Easy Read)
Upcoming information session
Proposed SEND Reforms - online information session for Haringey families
Hosted by SEND Power Parent Carer Forum and SEND Independent Information and Advice Services (SENDIASS).
- Tuesday 24 March 2026, 6.30 to 8.30pm, online
- Register on Eventbrite
