The SEND review
The government’s review of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England has resulted in proposals to improve the system. Now is the chance to have your say.
In this article
What is the SEND review and green paper?
In 2019, the government announced it would carry out a review of the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system in England. This was five years after the introduction of major reforms to the SEND system in 2014.
The SEND Review sought to find ways to ensure the SEND system is consistent, high quality and integrated across education, health and care.
The aims of the review were to:
- Find ways of improving services available to families.
- Help staff in schools and colleges to respond effectively to local needs.
- End the postcode lottery of services families often face.
The government has now completed the SEND review. On 29 March 2022, it published what it thinks should happen next in the SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Green Paper, paving the way for legislative change.
The publication of the SEND and AP Green Paper follows the publication of the Schools White Paper.
What is the government proposing?
The SEND and AP Green Paper is a discussion document, which sets out the changes the government want to make to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) system in England.
Proposals in the green paper include:
- Creating a single, national SEND and alternative provision (AP) system.
- Providing excellent provision from early years to adulthood.
- Introducing a reformed and integrated role for alternative provision.
- Reforming system roles, funding and accountability.
The government has published accessible versions of the green paper, including:
- A full British Sign Language version to support those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment.
- An easy-read version to support those with learning disabilities.
- A guide to help children and young people with SEND or those in alternative provision to understand the green paper and respond to the consultation.
All resources are available on gov.uk.
If you would like a Braille or audio version of the green paper or an accessible format that is not listed, email SENDreview.consultation@education.gov.uk.
Sharing your views
The government has opened a public consultation on its proposals. This is your chance to have your say on the government’s plans.
The consultation period is 13 weeks long and ends on Friday 22 July.
Contact has responded to the publication of the review as part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership.
How do I share my views on SEND proposals?
We encourage you to have your say on these important proposals. You can do this by taking part in the consultation, called SEND Review: right support, right place, right time.
Submit your response to the consultation via this GOV.UK webpage.
The consultation ends on Friday 1 July 2022.
You don’t have to respond to any question you don’t want to, and you don’t need to compete the survey in one go. You can save and return at a time most convenient for you.
Over the next few weeks, Contact will be looking at the green paper in detail. We’ll break it down to help you understand what the government is proposing and the implications for your family.
More information to help your respond
You can read the summary of the SEND and AP Green Paper online or download a pdf version. The government have also produced this short animation about the green paper.
To help you respond to the consultation and for more information about the SEND Review and further consultation events, you can also visit sendreview.campaign.gov.uk.
SEND review and consultation workshops
The Council for Disabled Children and the Department for Education (DfE) have organised some face-to-face and virtual workshops during May.
The free workshops will give you the opportunity to hear more about the government’s proposals and ask questions. You can register for any of the sessions using Eventbrite – just follow the links below.
- Thursday 12 May, 10am to 3.30pm in London
- Tuesday 17 May, 10am to 3.30pm in Manchester
- Thursday 19 May, 10am to 3.30pm in Leicester
- Monday 23 May, 10am to 3.30pm via Zoom
