SEND reform: putting children and young people first

Overview

SEND image

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

Why your views matter

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

You can also respond to this consultation via email at SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk, or by post to:

SENDAP Reform, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT

Closes 18 May 2026

Opened 23 Feb 2026

Audiences

  • 16-18 year old students resident at these institutions
  • Adoptive parents
  • Bodies representing schools and local authorities
  • CAMHS
  • Clinical commissioning groups
  • Community representatives
  • Contractors involved in building schools
  • Designated institutions and 16-19 academies
  • Directors of children's services
  • Early learning and childcare providers
  • Educational Psychologists
  • Foster carers
  • Further education colleges
  • Further Education leaders and workforce
  • Governing bodies and academy trusts
  • Government bodies and departments
  • Governors
  • Head teachers and proprietors of private schools
  • Headteachers
  • Health visitors
  • Independent school associations
  • Independent specialist colleges
  • Local authorities
  • Ofsted
  • Organisations with an interest in the content of the computer science GCSE
  • Parents
  • Pupils
  • School nurses
  • School support staff
  • SENCOs
  • Sixth form colleges
  • Social workers
  • Students
  • Teachers
  • Training providers
  • Unions and representative organisations
  • Volunteers
  • Young people

Interests

  • Disabled children
  • SEND code of practice
  • Teaching and learning (SEND)