News: SEND Reform White paper information, links to consultations / surveys and how to have your say!

On February 23, 2026, the UK Government published the SEND Reforms white paper titled “Every Child Achieving and Thriving: Reforms to the Schools and SEND Systems in England,” which outlines plans for the future of education, including initiatives relevant to children and young people with SEND. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFORMS WHITE PAPER

☆ What is a White Paper? ☆

A White Paper is not a law. It is a document that sets out the Government’s ideas and proposals for changes they would like to make.

☆ What happens next? ☆

1. Consultation: The Government has asked for views. This is where organisations like the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), and PCFs families could share feedback over a 12 week period. The consultation ended on 18th May 2026.

2. Review and changes: The Government will consider the feedback and then may revise their proposals.

3. New laws: If changes to the law are required, which we suspect there will be, the Government must introduce a Bill to Parliament.

4. Parliamentary process: The Bill is debated and examined by Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, and amendments can be made.

5. Becoming law: If both Houses agree, the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT LINKS

Easy Read version of the white paper: https://share.google/5g5JxdZstQDOlEQ6j

Full white paper: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving

Full public consultation: NOW CLOSED

Government Reforms landing page: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first

MCT’s SCHOOL WHITE PAPER CONSULTATION FORM

Have your Say!

MCT has created a Google Form with the 39 consultation questions (simplified) so parent carers can share their views. We will compile all feedback and submit a single response on behalf of the Durham forum and our parent carers.

  • You do not need to answer all questions—please respond to those you wish.
  • The MCT Google Form closes at 5pm on 12 May 2026.
  • If you have any questions, please contact us: info@mctdurham.co.uk

MCT Google Form survey: NOW CLOSED.

DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL LOCAL SEND REFORM PLAN SURVEY

Help us shape County Durham’s Local SEND Reform Plan.

The Government is changing how SEND support works across England. These national reforms focus on supporting children and young people earlier, improving inclusion in mainstream settings, and ensuring education, health and care services work more effectively together. To plan for these changes, Durham County Council must produce a Local SEND Reform Plan.

MCT Durham PCF is working with Durham County Council to develop a draft plan. We urgently need to hear from:

·         Parents and carers of children and young people with SEND

·         Children and young people with SEND

·         Schools and education settings

·         Those who support children and families with SEND, including health, care and voluntary/community organisations

To help shape the plan, please complete the online survey: NOW CLOSED.

There is also a survey for children and young people—please support your child or young person to share their views too.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to working with partners to develop a strong Local SEND Reform Plan that reflects what needs to happen in County Durham to best meet the needs of children and families with SEND.

TIMINGS ON WHO WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED REFORMS

All Children and Young People:

Further information for Children and Young People with EHCPS:

INFORMATION AND VIDEOS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Posted on: 30th April 2026