SEND reform: putting children and young people first, Public Sector article

SEND reform: putting children and young people first

Applies to England

Summary

Proposed changes to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, including early, fair support, with shared accountabilities across local partners.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 18 May 2026

Consultation description

We are consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

The consultation document explains the changes we plan to make and asks for comments from everyone with an interest.

The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.

We would like to hear from everyone who has an interest in the reforms including:

children, young people and families
teachers and leaders
schools and trusts

The proposals may also be of interest to:

early years providers
post-16 providers
local authorities
experts and academic organisations
representative groups

We welcome and will carefully consider comments and representations on all aspects of the consultation paper and subjects related to the proposed reforms, in addition to the specific consultation questions. Further contributions can be made in the text box at Question 39 or in the text box of Question 12 in the Easy Read version.

You can also engage with the consultation by signing up for consultation events and webinars with Ministers covering the full 0 to 25 system.

Every child achieving and thriving outlines the reforms to the schools and SEND system in England.

We have also written shorter, simpler documents that summarise the schools white paper and SEND consultation for parents and those working in the sector.