SEND reform: education otherwise than at school

Overview

We' re seeking views on improving support, quality and oversight for children and young people outside school.

Why your views matter

This consultation is for parents, carers, schools, local authorities and sector organisations. It seeks views on how to strengthen arrangements for children and young people who are educated outside school or further education settings.

We want to understand how support can be improved, how responsibilities should be clarified, and how provision can be better quality assured. We are also seeking views on how arrangements can support improved outcomes, including progression and, where appropriate, reintegration.

Closes 18 Sep 2026

Opened 10 Jul 2026

Audiences

  • Academies (including free schools), voluntary aided schools, voluntary controlled schools, foundation schools and community schools
  • Adoptive parents
  • Adult and mental health practitioners
  • Bodies representing schools and local authorities
  • CAMHS
  • Designated institutions and 16-19 academies
  • Designated safeguarding leads
  • Directors of children's services
  • Educational Psychologists
  • Experts and sector stakeholders
  • Experts in child development, health and education
  • Foster carers
  • Further education colleges
  • Governing bodies and academy trusts
  • Government bodies and departments
  • Governors
  • Headteachers
  • Independent specialist colleges
  • Local authorities
  • Ofsted
  • Parents
  • Principle social workers
  • Pupils
  • SENCOs
  • Social workers
  • Social workers
  • Students
  • Teachers
  • Those researching children’s social care or education systems, with links to educational outcomes of Children in Need
  • Unions and representative organisations
  • Virtual school heads
  • Young people

Interests

  • Alternative provision
  • Attendance and absence
  • Behaviour and discipline
  • Disabled children
  • Early learning and childcare
  • Education
  • Equality
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Teaching and learning (SEND)