Author: Kelly Drew

The Government has been preparing significant reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England. The full school’s white paper is due on the 23rd February 2026, we already know several important points about what the reforms aim to do - and importantly, what they do not change at this stage.  

What the SEND Reforms are 

The forthcoming 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 the Reforms mean and what they do not 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.  

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

  1. A formal consultation period 

  1. Draft legislation (a Bill) 

  1. Parliamentary scrutiny in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords 

  1. 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.  

The Consultation Period 

When the Schools White Paper is published, there will be a 12week 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. 

In Summary 

  • The SEND reforms are proposed changes outlined in a forthcoming Schools White Paper. 

  • The law has not changed; existing SEND rights and legal duties remain fully in place. 

  • Once published, 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.