SEND Reform (2026): What Redbridge Families Need to Know
The Government has proposed changes to the SEND system in England. These changes are not law yet, and nothing is changing right now. This page explains what is being proposed, what it could mean, and how you can share your views.
In February 2026, the Government published proposals to reform the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system in England through the school’s white paper "Every Child Achieving and Thriving". These proposals aim to improve inclusion, belonging, and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
Have Your Say
The Government is asking for feedback on these proposals. Parents, carers, young people, and professionals can take part in the consultation:
We understand these proposed changes may feel worrying, especially around EHCPs.
Important to know:
The law has not changed
EHCPs, SEN Support, and assessments continue as usual
These proposals are not final and may change
Any legal changes are unlikely before 2029–2030
London Borough of Redbridge and Redbridge SENDIASS will continue to provide clear updates as more information becomes available.
What is Being Proposed?
Strengthening inclusion in everyday settings
A stronger universal offer for all children
New National Inclusion Standards
Clearer guidance on reasonable adjustments
Schools required to publish an Inclusion Strategy
Greater focus on belonging and participation
Earlier Identification
Improved early identification of needs
SEND practitioners within Best Start Family Hubs
A revised approach to the four areas of need in the SEND Code of Practice
Clearer distinction between educational needs and mental health support
A new 3-tier System of Support
Support would be organised into three levels:
Targeted - additional support in mainstream settings
Targeted Plus - more structured and intensive support
Specialist Provision Packages (SPPs) - for children with the most complex needs
EHCPs would be reserved for children who need provision at the SPP level.
Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
A new digital plan that would replace multiple documents.
It would:
Record your child’s support in one place
Track progress and adjustments
Be used across education, health, and care
Support smoother transitions between settings
Think of this as a working document that follows your child day-to-day
Changes to EHCPs
Under the proposals:
EHCPs would mainly be for children needing Specialist Provision Packages
Day-to-day support would be recorded in ISPs
EHCPs would focus on legal entitlements
Assessments may become faster and more consistent nationally
More Specialist Support in Mainstream Settings
Investment in quicker access to:
Educational Psychologists
Speech and Language Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Expansion of specialist workforce through the “Experts at Hand” programme
Inclusion Bases
A new term proposed to replace SEN units, resourced provisions, and pupil support units.
These would be:
Based in mainstream schools
Delivered by schools or commissioned by the local authority
Designed to support more children closer to home
Transitions and Preparing for Adulthood
ISPs would help support smoother transitions between schools and phases
Planning for post-16 would begin at least 12 months in advance
Clearer pathways into education, training, and employment
Funding
The Government has proposed significant investment, including:
£1.6bn for mainstream inclusion
£1.8bn for specialist support (“Experts at Hand”)
£3.7bn for high needs capital funding
Additional funding for Parent Carer Forums and SENDIASS services
Accountability and Standards
New duties on schools and services to identify and meet needs early
ISPs to be reviewed through Ofsted inspections
Updated performance measures to recognise progress for all learners
Clearer roles for education, health, and care services
Dispute Resolution and Appeals
Improved school complaints processes, including independent SEN expertise
Greater use of disagreement resolution services
National standards for mediation
SEND Tribunals Focus on:
Whether a child meets the SPP threshold
What provision is appropriate
Placement decisions (without naming a specific school)
Transition to the New System
Key points:
Changes are not expected before 2029
Staff training is due to begin from September 2026
The current system will remain in place until any new laws are introduced.
Important:
Children with existing EHCPs will keep them until the end of their current phase
No child will be moved from a special school unless families choose this
First transitions expected for
Year 6
Year 11
Year 13 (in 2029/30)
Support for Families in Redbridge
Services will continue to be strengthened and remain available to support you:
Redbridge SENDIASS (RIASS)
Parent Carer Forums
National SEND helplines
If you have questions or want to talk through what this might mean for your child, you can contact Redbridge SENDIASS for free, confidential and impartial advice.
