Sense responds to government’s proposed reforms to the SEND system

23 February 2026 – National disability charity says reform is urgently needed.

Responding to today’s White Paper, James Watson-O’Neill, Chief Executive of the national disability charity Sense, said:

“Today’s announcement shows a real commitment from the government to fix the broken SEND system – which currently leaves far too many families fighting for the support their children need.

“We welcome both the additional investment and the ambition. Earlier intervention, closer collaboration across education, health, and care, and the proposed ‘Experts at Hand’ initiative could make a huge difference for disabled children with complex needs – but these commitments must be backed by a credible workforce plan to ensure real, additional capacity is delivered in schools and early years settings.

“The government has promised that all children with SEND will receive a legally backed plan – and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will be retained as well as the tribunal. This is a victory for the families and organisations who have campaigned on this issue over the past year.

“The government’s commitment to expanding legal entitlements through new Individual Support Plans (ISPs) is a positive step. If implemented effectively, this could shift the system towards more local and consistent support for children.

“We are also pleased that EHCPs will be maintained and enhanced for children with complex needs. However, without clear detail on how “complex needs” will be defined in practice, many families will understandably fear that their child could fall through the cracks. The government must provide firm reassurance that any child whose needs cannot be fully met through a school’s Individual Support Plan will continue to have access to an EHCP, ensuring that essential, legally enforceable support remains in place.

“Early intervention must remain central, specialist schools must continue to play an integral role, and families must retain real choice. Sense will support families throughout the 12-week consultation to ensure their voices are heard, and we remain committed to working constructively with the government to make sure these reforms truly deliver for disabled children and their families.”