Briefing: The Schools White Paper 2026: Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Reform
The House of Commons library has published a research briefing regarding Schools White Paper 2026: Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Reform. The schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, was published on 23 February 2026. The white paper included major reforms to the system of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England.
Alongside the white paper, a consultation on the SEND proposals, SEND reform: putting children and young people first, was also published. The consultation was open until 18 May 2026. The government has not yet responded.
The government’s announcement of the SEND reform plans described the proposals as a “radical expansion” of rights for children with SEND.
