SEND Reform National Consultation Schools White Paper: “Every Child Achieving and Thriving”
The Government has published its Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, setting out proposals to reform the SEND system in England.
Important:
These are proposals only. The law has not changed, and current SEND rights remain in place.
A national consultation is now open until 18th May 2026, giving families, carers, charities and professionals the opportunity to influence what happens next.
Even if proposals are approved by Parliament, any changes are not expected to begin until 2029, with implementation phased over time.
What is being proposed?
Key proposals include:
✔ Introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND
✔ A new three-tier system: Targeted, Targeted Plus and Specialist
✔ Future EHCPs focused on children with the most complex needs
✔ Changes to accountability,
complaints and tribunal arrangements
✔ Increased investment in inclusion, workforce training and specialist support
What the Government has said
🌟 No child will lose support
🌟 Children in special schools will keep their places if they choose
🌟 No move from EHCPs to ISPs before 2029/2030
Join the conversation
We will be discussing SEND Reform at our upcoming:
Education, Inclusion and Mental Health Forum📅 12th May
📍 Vicars Cross Golf Club, Tarvin, Chester
At the forum, we will:
💬 Talk through the key proposals in plain language
🤝 Host tabletop discussions with parent carers and professionals
📝 Gather your views to help shape our consultation response
Over 700 parent carers have already shared their views through our recent survey and your voice will help strengthen this further.
Have your say
👉 Book your place at the forum: Education & Mental Health Forum - May 2026
Can’t attend? You can still share your views with us to help shape our response.
PCF questions for the consultation
We also strongly encourage you to respond directly to the Government consultation. Read more here
For more information on the PCF and what we do...
click below
Visit our 'What's On' page to join us at one of our forums or coffee drop-in events in 2026 or you can catch up on past events with our videos, presentations, information and event coverage.
