In February 2026, the Government published its long-awaited Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, outlining a number of proposed changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.
For many parents and carers of children with additional needs, changes to SEND support can feel worrying and uncertain. It is important to remember that these proposals are not yet law, and no immediate changes have been made to the support children currently receive.
A consultation period is now underway, giving families, professionals and organisations the opportunity to share their views before any decisions are made.
For now, the current SEND system remains exactly the sa
The Government has announced £4 billion of funding over the next three years to support its proposed SEND reforms and improve inclusion in education settings.
Part of this funding will be used to help schools, early years settings and colleges better support children with additional needs within mainstream education.
The aim is to ensure more children can access support earlier, without always needing to go through lengthy assessment processes.
While additional funding is welcome, many families and professionals are keen to understand how this investment will translate into meaningful day-to-day support for children.
Questions remain about whether schools will have enough resources, staff and specialist expertise to meet children’s individual needs effectively.
Many organisations supporting children with SEND have welcomed the focus on inclusion but have also raised concerns about some of the proposed changes.
One area of concern is the suggestion that children may be grouped into a single category of need to determine the support they receive.
For many children, particularly those with complex conditions or acquired brain injuries, needs often overlap across several areas. A child may experience physical difficulties, sensory challenges, learning needs and emotional support needs at the same time.
Families and professionals are keen to ensure that any future system continues to recognise each child as an individual rather than fitting them into a single category.
There are also questions about how parents and carers would challenge decisions if they disagree with the support being offered.
At this stage, many details of the proposed reforms are still being developed.
Even if the proposals move forward, significant changes are unlikely to happen for several years. Current indications suggest that any new legislation would not be introduced until around 2030, with changes being phased in gradually.
This means families do not need to take any immediate action regarding their child’s current support arrangements.
Organisations such as IPSEA are encouraging parents, carers and young people to take part in the consultation process.
Families have valuable insight into what works well, where support can be improved, and what children need to thrive both in school and beyond.
By sharing their experiences, families can help shape the future of SEND support and ensure children’s needs remain at the heart of any reforms.
At Big Stepping Stones, we understand that navigating education, support services and future planning can feel overwhelming at times. We will continue to share updates, guidance and resources as more information becomes available, helping families stay informed and supported throughout the process.
