What if my child doesn’t fit?
The Government has published proposals to reform the SEND system. These proposals are part of the wider Schools White Paper and related SEND reforms. Parent Carers are being asked to respond to 39 specific questions about the SEND reform.
As parent carers ourselves we know how difficult it can be finding the time to read such a large amount of information and respond to a long consultation. We’re here to help. Each week we will focus on an aspect proposed changes, and ask you to share your views in series of short, bite-size surveys making it quick and easy to share what matters most to you.
The Government’s Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving (2026), sets out intentions to improve education and attendance across England. Some of the key elements are increasing school attendance, making mainstream schools more inclusive whilst retaining specialist provision for children with complex needs.
Whilst the Consultation document (SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First) does discuss the proposed tiers of support, we are aware that there are many gaps in detail which may leave families feeling uncertain as to how the new proposals will work for them and where their child or young person will fit.
For many parent carers, an important question is: What support is available for children who cannot attend school or whose needs are not being met in mainstream?
This includes but is not limited to children and young people experiencing:
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Elective home educated (EHE) due to unmet needs
Managing a medical condition or conditions
Accessing alternative provision
Those who do not fit clearly into existing support thresholds
Long-term health conditions
Those who are medically unable to attend school
What is being proposed?
The White Paper places strong emphasis on attendance and inclusion in mainstream school settings as a national priority. The Government’s aim is to move children: “from withdrawn to engaged...” through improved early support, making mainstream schools more inclusive and reducing the need for children to leave school.
They also consider the uses of sanctions including suspension and permanent exclusion. The Government are clear that exclusions have consequences and should only be used appropriately and in line with the government guidance. They advise that “ It would be unlawful for example, to exclude a pupil simply because they have SEND that the school feels it is unable to meet.”
This will be supported by:
system-wide measures including a new pupil engagement framework;
tools to support learning at home;
supporting schools and wider services;
equipping schools with tools and guidance they need to improve behaviour including behaviour in schools guidance, statutory suspension and permanent exclusion guidance and bespoke evidence-based toolkit for teachers on behaviour and bullying
Introduction of Reintegration Support Partnerships which will involve a formal meeting following a suspension leading to an agreed plan and responsibilities.
Introduction of a new framework to give schools clear guidance on when internal suspensions are appropriate and how to structure them effectively.
utilising new attendance and behaviour hubs to spread best practice hubs.
What might this mean for families:
For families, the focus on attendance means that being in school regularly is seen as the expected outcome for most children.
The White Paper does recognise that there are children who are currently outside the system, however there are a number of cohorts that are not mentioned.
The Government suggests that, over time, more children will be supported within mainstream, rather than through alternative routes.
Children who may not meet thresholds:
Some children may not fit clearly into structured support systems. This includes but is not limited to children and young people who:
cope better in small or specialist settings
have SEMH needs but potentially no formal SEND diagnosis
have emerging needs such as sensory or executive functioning differences
Require additional support or accommodation due to medical needs
The government is proposing that “For children and young people who have ongoing and commonly occurring needs which cannot typically be met by the Universal offer, mainstream settings will provide ‘Targeted support’ in mainstream settings, in consultation with parents.” However, there is no definition of what ‘ongoing and commonly occurring’ means. There is a concern therefore that the proposal may generalise some SEND needs rather than recognising the highly individual aspect of every child and their needs being different.
There is a risk that these children may fall between thresholds, particularly if support is based on defined “packages” or levels of need.
What we don’t yet know:
The support for children with long-term absence
The pathways for children unable to attend due to anxiety or health reasons
How education will be delivered outside school - Education Other than at school. (EOTAS)
What the definition of ongoing and commonly occurring needs will be
What the definition of complex needs will be
Does the “Experts at Hand” model include guaranteed access to specialist expertise in areas such as dyslexia, deaf children, visual impairment, and mental health (e.g. through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)?
It is important to remember that these proposals are still being consulted on, and the detail of how they would work in practice if they come into law are still being developed. It is important that you have your say and respond to the consultation. The link to our Bitesize survey is below
SGPC Bitesize Survey - 6 of 8
This week we are asking for your thoughts on the plans for children who can not attend school or whose needs are not being met in mainstream.
Bite Size Survey: What if my child doesn’t fit?
Each survey only takes a few minutes, but your voice can make a real difference. Ensure that the perspectives of families in our community are heard.
Focused news and accompanying bite-sized surveys will be shared each week week until the 29th April. All surveys will remain open till midnight on Sunday 3rd May
Check out the SGPC updates page to see them all
We are now in a 12-week consultation period.
There are two ways that you can have your say:
Through the Government Consultation Survey on SEND reform - Closing Date 11:59pm 18 May 2026,
Through South Glos Parent Carer Forum’s bite size surveys. - Closing Date 11:59pm 3 May
If possible, we would always recommend that you complete both feedback options.
At SGPC, our role remains the same: to represent the lived experience of parent carers in South Gloucestershire and to ensure that your voices are heard locally and nationally.
We know that system change must improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. We will work alongside the NNPCF and partners to ensure that reforms lead to positive, meaningful and sustainable change for families.
We will continue to update families as more detail becomes available through our social media, website and members email list:
You are not alone
We recognise that change can bring uncertainty and questions. You are not alone, our drop-in support sessions and online email support are here for you.
See details of all our support session opening hours here
April 2026