SEND reform: putting children and young people first

The Government are consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system. Your views are really important and great opportunity to share your thoughts on the proposed changes.

The closing date for consultations on this white paper is 18 May 2026.

You can take part in the Government consultation over on the Department for Education's website.

You can also watch a video from Ipsea which helps to explain the SEND reform proposals in more detail.

Guide to government consultations

Consultations can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, especially if you have never taken part before. We have put together some information that brings together our general consultation guidance. It focuses on explaining the consultation process itself, rather than any single policy.

It includes our how consultations work FAQs, which answer common questions about the process, alongside the Consultations Response Guide, which gives practical tips and examples to help you structure your answers and put your thoughts into your own words.

You can use these resources for any consultation, and you do not need to use them all. You can start with the FAQs or go straight to the Response Guide, depending on what feels most helpful for you. 

Read more on our website here.