Proposed Government SEND Reforms and Government Consultation

Photograph of 3 children in a classroom. They are all wearing school shirts and ties. In the background a girl and boy sit at a table. In the foreground a girl aged around 11 with her hair in a pony tail is sat at a table looking at an open book.

The Government’s Schools White Paper, Every child achieving and thriving, was published on Monday 23 February 2026.  Within it, the Government sets out its proposals for reforming SEND Systems.

What is being proposed?

The consultation outlines ideas to:

  • Strengthen early support in mainstream schools and colleges
  • Introduce a new type of plan called an Individual Support Plan (ISP)
  • Refocus Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) on children and young people with the most complex needs
  • Improve access to specialist advice and services

Read the White Paper, Every child achieving and thriving here.

What does this mean for children and families now?

We know that many families may feel concerned about what these proposals could mean for their child and the support they receive. The most important thing to know is that nothing will change immediately.

  • There are no changes to current SEND law or entitlements
  • EHCPs remain fully in place
  • Schools, colleges, and the local authority will continue to provide support as usual

If reforms are agreed nationally, they would be introduced gradually over several years.

Have your say

The proposed reforms are now open for consultation. Parents carers, young people and professionals can share their views here until 18 May 2026.

Further information, and events for Southend families

The Southend SEND Area Partnership have issued a letter about the proposed Government SEND reforms and the consultation.

Read the letter here

17 April information session:

To help keep families informed, the Southend SEND Area Partnership hosted an information session about the proposed SEND reforms on 17 April 2026. View the session slides here.

Additional drop-in sessions:

Southend's Parent Carer Forum, Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF), encourages parents and carers to take part in the consultation and share your lived experiences.

They will be hosting informal drop‑in sessions at Southend Civic Centre where you can ask questions, learn more, and talk about what matters to you.

Drop‑in dates:

  • 23 April, 10:30am – 11:30am (Committee Room 7)
  • 1 May, 12:30pm – 1:30pm (Committee Room 7)
  • 11 May, 10:00am – 11:00am (Committee Room 4)

Survey for Southend families

A short 5-question survey has been developed by SSIF, to help ensure that local voices shape how reforms are developed and put into practice in Southend.

All Southend families of children and young people with SEND are invited to complete the survey, which closes on Monday 4 May.

Complete the survey here

Visit this page: www.livewellsouthend.com/SENDReformUpdates for updates about SEND Reform proposals as they occur.

Tuesday, 24th February 2026