{"id":82592,"date":"2026-02-26T13:50:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T13:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?p=82592"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:48:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:48:46","slug":"special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send-reforms-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/blog\/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send-reforms-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms \u2013 what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Natalie
Natalie and her son, Azuriah, are pictured together in their living room. Natalie is campaigning alongside Sense for change to the SEND system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On\u00a0Monday, the\u00a023rd of February,\u00a0the Government published its plans to reform the\u00a0special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)\u00a0system<\/a>\u00a0in England\u00a0in its\u00a0schools\u00a0white paper, \u2018Every Child Achieving and Thriving\u2019<\/a>. These plans are open to\u00a0public consultation<\/a> for the next 12 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a\u00a0once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix a system that is currently failing 1.7 million disabled children.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know this has been widely covered in the media and online, and things might be worrying, particularly for families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s\u00a0what you need to know right now\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll\u00a0be updating our ca<\/a>mpaign page<\/a> with more information and ways to get involved in the next few weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a white paper?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A white paper is a document produced by the Government setting out their proposals for future changes to the law. It\u2019s really important to say that, at this stage, these are only suggestions of changes the Government wants to make. Think of the white paper publication as the starting point for a discussion, not the end.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing is changing right now<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The existing SEND law has not changed, and any reforms won\u2019t happen until 2029. So, if your child is currently receiving support at school, or is being assessed for support, this support will remain in place for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How you can have your say<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Government is holding a 12-week consultation on its proposals for changes to the SEND system. This is a set of questions for families, professionals and charities like Sense to share their opinions on the plans. This can make a real difference and encourage the Government to rethink particular changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are building a tool to\u00a0support you in responding to the consultation \u2013\u00a0make sure to\u00a0sign up for our emails<\/a>\u00a0more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Sense doing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Sense, we have been working with\u202ffamilies,\u202fthe Government\u202fand\u202fother charities\u202fto push for the right reforms. Reforms that mean every disabled child can access the support they need, wherever they live, and get an education that truly works for them.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have been listening to families to understand what needs to change and what must be protected.\u202f<\/strong>We have supported parents to meet Ministers leading the reforms, making sure lived experience is heard. We are working with partners, including the\u202fDisabled Children\u2019s Partnership, to build clear evidence on how the reforms could support disabled children with complex needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right now, we are looking at the proposals closely to fully understand what they might mean for disabled children with complex needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our initial response to the white paper:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can\u00a0find our\u00a0initial\u00a0reaction in\u00a0this short\u00a0video\u00a0from our Chief Executive, James Watson-O’Neill:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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