National Conversation On SEND Reform Begins

The Department for Education has launched a new national engagement campaign to gather views from parents, carers, young people and professionals on the future of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.

The initiative aims to create “the biggest national conversation on SEND in a generation”, with the government seeking to place families’ experiences at the centre of forthcoming reforms. Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould will lead a series of nine in-person events across England, supported by the Council for Disabled Children, alongside five online sessions exploring the department’s key principles for reform.

The engagement programme will focus on areas such as early intervention, local provision, fairness in access to support, evidence-based practice and stronger joint working between education, health and care. Attendees will be invited to share their experiences and respond to proposals under consideration, including written records of support for children, access to independent advocacy, and a national framework outlining what support should be available across all settings.

This activity sits alongside ongoing work to improve the current system. The government highlighted new data from the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme, where most participating school leaders reported feeling better equipped to support neurodiverse pupils. Additional measures already underway include investment in new specialist school places, expanded early language support, and the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs from April.

Engagement events form the first phase of wider reform. Following publication of the Schools White Paper early next year, a formal consultation will open to continue gathering views. A stakeholder development group, including SEND parent organisations, will also meet regularly with ministers over the coming months.

How To Take Part

Sign up to attend a regional engagement event here.

Sign up to attend an online event here