The special educational needs and disabilities system isn’t working for families, and it needs fundamental change.
Students and parents are struggling to get the support and adjustments they need to get a successful education. Instead, they are trapped within a system where it can take years to for students to be recognised as needing SEND support. This is unsustainable, impacting the child’s education and their future life.
The Labour government acknowledges that we need to change the system, and has set out a white paper which proposes changes to the SEND system. They are currently holding a consultation that is running until the 18th May 2026, and they want to hear from as many people to help shape the process.
You can find more about it here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first
Many people’s lives depend on getting these changes right. I held a roundtable on Friday in Little Eaton to hear from parents, teachers, and professionals about what they think about the proposals, what they want to see changed in the SEND system, and to listen to their own experiences.
I will ensure their voices are heard, and will feedback what myself and my team heard to Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, and the consultation itself.