SEND reforms delayed until 2027 as government pledges to ‘see it through’

The government has delayed SEND reforms until 2027 but has reiterated its commitment to improving the “broken system” and getting reforms right for children and families. Earlier this month, the Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, confirmed that legislation on changes to the SEND system would not be published until early next year. Her response to...

The importance of moving to needs-led SEND support in schools

There is a growing push within the education sector – and beyond – to shift to a needs-led system of support for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The recently published Independent Review into Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism, led by Professor Peter Fonagy, said the debate around over-diagnosis of neurodevelopmental...

Children with special educational needs could lose ‘vital’ support

The government has been urged to retain education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ministers have so far refused to rule out scrapping the education plans, but campaigners argue they provide children with special educational needs with “vital provision,” and “precious legal protections.” When...

Plans to reform SEND support

The government has announced new plans to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England. Plans announced by the Department for Education, which aim to improve SEND support and the alternative provision system, include earlier diagnoses and a commitment to build 33 more special free schools....