Open consultation

SEND reform: putting children and young people first

Applies to England

Summary

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

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

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 and trusts

The proposals may also be of interest to:

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

Every child achieving and thriving outlines the reforms to the schools and SEND system in England.

We have also written shorter, simpler documents that summarise the schools white paper and SEND consultation for parents and those working in the sector.

Alternative formats

British Sign Language

SEND reform: putting children and young people first - British Sign Language (BSL) version

An easy read version of the consultation can be found here.

You can order the following versions of ‘SEND reform: putting children and young people first’:

  • a braille version in the form of a .dxb file if you have .dxb software or a hard copy if you do not have .dxb software
  • a large print 20 point version

Email your request to: SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk.

Documents

SEND reform: putting children and young people first (web-accessible version)

SEND reform: putting children and young people first (print-ready version)

Background on projections

Updates to this page

Published 23 February 2026

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