SEND Reform

These changes could affect how your child gets support. Your voice matters.

There is currently a government consultation on proposed changes to the SEND education system (ages 0–25). This is an important opportunity for parent carers to help shape what future support and provision could look like for our children and young people.

 SEND Reforms Consultation – Information for Parent Carers 

The government has released its Schools White Paper, titled: Every Child Achieving and Thriving. The only parts of the White Paper currently open for consultation relate to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These proposals are set out in the document: SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First. 

The government is consulting on proposals to reform the SEND system. The consultation document explains the changes they plan to make and invites feedback from everyone with an interest. The proposed changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0–25 system. 

What is a White Paper? 

A White Paper is not a law. It is a document that sets out the Government’s ideas and proposals for changes they would like to make in the future. 

Parentsactive’s Initial Thoughts 

Parentsactive welcomes many aspects of the proposed SEND reforms, particularly the focus on improving inclusion, enabling earlier and easier access to support, and introducing national standards to reduce inconsistency. However, we do have some concerns about aspects of the proposals, particularly around accountability, potential changes to legal duties, and how clear the routes for challenge and redress will be. These areas are important in ensuring that children and families receive the support they need and feel confident in how the system works. It is important to acknowledge that several aspects of the SEND reforms are not being consulted on via the questions at the online survey, but we encourage parents to share their voice on all aspects of the proposed reforms by weaving this into your responses and/or utilising question 39. 

 How Can I Understand the Proposals? 

There are several ways to find out more, depending on your time and preferences.

  1.  Read the Consultation

The full consultation document is 129 pages long, and we understand this may not be feasible for everyone.

There are several upcoming online live webinars organized by Dinleys Promise and DFE for parent carers of children in early years (under 5s) on the following dates / times: 

  • Tuesday 12th May, 12pm-1pm 
  • Wednesday 13th May, 6pm – 7pm 
  • Thursday 14th May, 6pm – 7pm 

*Events are ticketed by Eventbrite and spaces are limited. Book here.

2. Explore SEND reforms through SEND organisation webinars, podcasts and resources

Several trusted organisations have hosted webinars to explain the proposals, including: IPSEA, Council for Disabled Children, and Special Needs Jungle 

SEND in the Spotlight have produced a special podcast with Women’s Hour covering the SEND reforms.

In addition, these slides from the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) provide a clear overview of the proposed SEND reforms.

How Can I Share My Views? 

The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 18 May 2026. We strongly encourage everyone to also submit their own individual response. You can respond through the following ways:

  • Respond directly via Online Form

You can respond directly to the government consultation by completing the online consultation – there are 39 questions in total, but not all need to be answered. We recommend picking and choosing the ones you find most relevant. The last question gives space for anything that you wish to add that may not have been asked directly. 

  • Respond directly via Email/Post

By emailing your thoughts to SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk or writing to: SENDAP Reform, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT.

  • Contact your MP about SEND reforms

You can also write to your local MP to share your views on the proposed SEND reforms and highlight what matters most for your child and family. Find out their email here.

The charity IPSEA have created a template letter to help parent carers to be able to write to their local Member of Parliament (MP) about their views on the SEND Reforms which can be accessed here.

  • Provide Feedback to Parentsactive’s Response

Parentsactive Parent Carer Forum will be submitting a formal response to the consultation, informed by feedback gathered through our SEND reform sessions and wider engagement with parent carers. Parentsactive members can share their views here.

What Happens Next?