The government has recently published its consultation on SEND reform: “Putting Children and Young People First”, alongside the wider schools white paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving. These proposals set out what is being described as a “once in a generation” overhaul of the SEND system in England.
At the heart of the reforms is a push for a more inclusive, mainstream-focused system, with earlier intervention, more consistent support, and clearer accountability across education, health and care services. The consultation emphasises five key principles: support that is early, local, fair, effective and shared across services.
Part four of the consultation focuses specifically on rewarding inclusion, with proposals aimed at encouraging schools to better meet the needs of children with SEND within mainstream settings, rather than relying on specialist provision.
Alongside this, the British Psychological Society (BPS) has published its response to the white paper, raising important considerations around implementation, workforce capacity, and ensuring that reforms are genuinely evidence-based and in the best interests of children and young people.
However, the proposals have not been without controversy. Concerns have already been raised across the sector, particularly around potential changes to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and whether legal protections for children and families could be weakened. Some groups have begun legal challenges, highlighting fears about reduced rights and inconsistent provision.
At present, the reforms are still at consultation stage (open until May 2026), and there is ongoing discussion across the profession about what this could mean in practice.
We are currently working to arrange legal input and a discussion opportunity for members, to explore the potential implications of the white paper for practice and to support informed responses during this consultation period.