What to expect when SEND reforms are published
3 mins read
Monday 2 February 2026
We are still waiting to hear the detail about the government’s long-awaited proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England.
Recent media coverage has highlighted the strength of concern about SEND reforms. Today the Guardian reported that members of the Disabled Children’s Partnership including Contact, have urged the government to ensure reforms must not weaken children’s legal rights or reduce access to support.
While we wait for the publication of the proposed reforms, we wanted to set out what we do know.
What is a White Paper, does it mean the law has changed?
A White Paper sets out the government’s proposals for future legislation or law. Changes to the SEND system will be part of a wider Schools White Paper.
Here are the stages of a White Paper:
- When the Schools White paper is published there will be a 12-week consultation. This is an opportunity for parents and interested groups to respond to the proposals and have their say. Changes can be made to the white paper before it’s formally presented to parliament.
- A Bill will go through Parliament, followed by a period of implementation and transition.
- If there are to be changes to legislation this needs to be included in the King’s Speech. This year’s King’s Speech is in May.
- The Bill then has to go through both the Commons (where MPs review and debate the Bill) and the House of Lords (where Lords review and debate the Bill). During this time further amendments can be made.
- The whole process can take several years and during that time the existing law and existing rights do not change.
How has Contact been involved in shaping the White Paper?
Last summer, Contact together with over 100 charities in the Disabled Children’s Partnership published the Fight For Ordinary report, setting out a vision for SEND reform.
We are clear: reform must strengthen support and safeguard children’s existing rights. We’d like to see a legal guarantee of support for every child with SEND. Today the Guardian newspaper has published Disabled Children’s Partnership’s red lines, which call on the government to ensure any reform of the system does not:
- strip away legally enforceable plans for children who need them
- force children out of stable placements or disrupt essential support
- narrow the definition of special educational needs to restrict eligibility
- abolish the SEND Tribunal, a vital safeguard for families
- cut off support at 18 for young people who need longer to transition into adulthood
