Understanding the SEND Reforms

The Government has been preparing significant reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England. The full school’s white paper has now been released, we already know several important points about what the reforms aim to do - and importantly, what they do not change at this stage.

In Summary

The SEND reforms are proposed changes outlined in a Schools White Paper.
The law has not changed; existing SEND rights and legal duties remain fully in place.
The White Paper will be subject to a 12week consultation, during which changes can and likely will be made.
Only after consultation and parliamentary scrutiny could any new legislation come into force - a process that typically takes a few years.

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What are the SEND Reforms?

The reforms are part of a wider Schools White Paper, setting out the Government’s future for legislation affecting education and the SEND system. A White Paper outlines proposals but does not change the law by itself.

What do the Reforms mean?

At this stage, the law has not changed. Existing legal duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 remain fully in force, and families retain the same rights to assessments, EHCPs, and appeals.

When the White Paper is published, any legal changes would require:

A formal consultation period
Draft legislation (a Bill)
Parliamentary scrutiny in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords
Further amendments throughout the process before any new law takes effect.

This entire process typically takes a few years, during which current law and rights remain unchanged.

What is the consultation period?

There is a 12 week consultation period, giving families, professionals, and organisations the opportunity to respond to the proposals.

During this period:

Anyone can submit views, concerns, or suggestions.
Stakeholder events and listening sessions may run alongside the consultation.
Responses can lead to the White Paper being amended before it is formally presented to Parliament.

Additionally, the Department for Education has confirmed that a formal consultation on aspects of SEND reform will be launched later in 2026.

Could the White Paper change?

Yes. The White Paper is not final. It is explicitly open to change based on:

Public consultation responses
Feedback from listening sessions with parents, professionals, and expert groups
Parliamentary debate and amendment processes

The Government has already indicated that it intends to “test policy options” and “seek views” widely before finalising the proposals.

This means that the proposals presented in the White Paper could be revised - potentially significantly - before any legislation is drafted or introduced.