Families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England have been waiting with great anticipation for the Government’s promised reforms. The long-awaited Schools White Paper – which was intended to bring sweeping changes to the SEND system and was originally set for autumn 2025 – has now been delayed until 2026. Find out what this change means for families and children with SEND.
What is the SEND White Paper – and why is it needed?
The White Paper is intended to be the Government’s blueprint for overhauling the way SEND is supported in schools and local authorities as well as health and care services across England. It’ll set out how children with additional needs are assessed and supported, plus how funding is allocated and who delivers that support.
In recent years, demand for SEND support has soared. As of January 2025, over 1.7 million pupils in England had identified special educational needs. However, rising costs, delays and wide disparities in support available have left many parents and carers feeling frustrated and children left without the help they need to thrive. With such pressure on the system, the White Paper was seen as urgently needed to provide clarity, consistency and a long-term plan for SEND.
Why the White Paper has been delayed
Originally expected in autumn 2025, the Schools White Paper is now set for publication in early 2026, following more collaboration with families, educators, experts and other stakeholders. According to the Government’s announcement, the delay is meant to allow more time to get the reforms right – to test the proposals, to reflect voices of those living with SEND, listen to the views and concerns of MPS, campaigners and other lobbyists and to ensure the reforms are robust and inclusive.
For many families, this delay is concerning, with speculation about what the changes will be and the impact of these on children and young people with SEND and their families. But some advocacy and charity groups have welcomed the extra time for meaningful involvement, arguing that true co-creation with families and professionals is essential to bringing about meaningful, sustainable reform.
What this means for families with SEND children
1, Uncertainty remains
Until the White Paper is published, many families and carers will continue to wait in limbo, unsure whether and when long-promised changes – to things like assessments, support thresholds, funding, specialist provision or accountability – will come.
2, Potential continued strain
With local authorities still under financial pressure, issues like support gaps, long delays and inconsistencies are likely to persist in the short term.
3, Advocacy remains vital
Given what’s at stake here – namely children’s education, mental health and future prospects – families may wish to engage with advocacy groups, charities or parent networks to influence the shape of reforms before they are finalised.
Why legal advice might be more important than ever
Because the outcome of the White Paper could adjust eligibility for support and the process for getting it, the period after its publication may see legal disputes or disagreements. For example, this could be around whether a child qualifies for an EHCP, whether a school must make certain reasonable adjustments, or whether delays or inadequate provision are a breach of legal duty.
SEND law is complicated, so seeking expert advice – for example from education law solicitors and specialists – can help families understand their rights, challenge decisions or make appeals where necessary. With the impact of reforms yet to be seen but expected to be significant, having legal advice could make a real difference.
To speak to education law specialists, get in touch with Amicus Law.
