The schools white paper & SEND reforms
This advice applies in England only.
On this page you’ll find what you need to know about the government’s schools white paper and planned reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England.
Latest: Disabled Children’s Partnership respond to white paper leak
In this article
What is the schools white paper?
A white paper sets out the government’s proposals for future legislation or law.
In Spring 2026 the government will publish a schools white paper. This will set out its proposals to reform the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) system in England.
We will update this page with detailed information the plans when the white paper is published.
Parent carers remember: your existing rights have not changed.
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.