And Finally…

NewsSGPC
Written By Jenny Thompson

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 plans to improve education across England. Alongside this, the consultation SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First outlines proposed changes to the SEND system. While these proposals give a sense of the direction of travel, many important details are still unclear and there are a number of unanswered questions.  

We hope that by breaking down the key points into bitesize surveys, it will help you to give your feedback about these proposals. SGPC will gather all your responses to our surveys, anonymise them and group them into responses to the 39 consultation questions. We will also share your feedback with the National Network of Parent Carer Forums who will then share parent carer feedback from all forums across England with the Government consultation representatives.   

This final survey gives you the opportunity to share any final thoughts or concerns you may have about the consultation and White Paper that you have not already been able to share. 

 

SGPC Bitesize Survey - 8 of 8

This week we are asking for your thoughts on any concerns or aspects of the proposed changes that you feel were not covered in the previous bite size surveys.

Bite Size Survey: And Finally…

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

 Please note that this is a video prepared by Speech and Language UK.

They have selected to only answer 11 questions from the consultation. However, we would urge you to answer any and all questions you feel able to provide feedback on.

 

We are now in a 12-week consultation period.
There are two ways that you can have your say:

  1. Through the Government Consultation Survey on SEND reform - Closing Date 11:59pm 18 May 2026,

  2. 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.

 

Other News....

While SGPC is focusing on the SEND White Paper and the SEND Reform consultation, we know there are also other Government consultations currently open that may be relevant to some of our families. These don’t all focus specifically on SEND, but they still touch on areas that can affect children and young people with additional needs.  

We wanted to make you aware of some of these opportunities to share your views, so you can take part in anything that feels relevant to you and your family. This isn’t a full list, but it’s a starting point.  

Please be aware that these are not linked to the SEND Reform Consultation and White Paper.

There are policies, guidance and reports that have also been provided by the Government over the last 2 years that may be of interest to you. These are not consultations and there is no opportunity to provide feedback on these. We have listed them here as information only: 

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.

SGPC Updates

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

March 2026

Jenny Thompson
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