What we’re working on
Schools White Paper
Every child achieving and thriving and SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People first.
The government has published the schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving, and the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) consultation document, SEND reform: putting children and young people first. These two documents need to be read together to understand the full picture of what the Government is proposing.
At South Glos Parent Carers (SGPC), we know many families have been waiting for clarity about what SEND reform might look like in practice and what this could mean for their children and young people. We also recognise that change can bring uncertainty and questions.
This page provides an overview of what has been published so far, what it means (and does not mean), and what happens next. The information below reflects national updates from the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), of which SGPC is a member.
On this page:
How you can get involved - have your say with SGPCs bite size Surveys
What is a white paper and what happens next
You are not alone
Change can bring uncertainty and questions. You are not alone, our drop-in support sessions and online email support are here for you.
What is being proposed
The proposals include a wide range of potential changes, such as new expectations for schools, clearer guidance on reasonable adjustments, new Inclusion Bases in schools, additional training for staff, and improved access to specialist expertise through a model called “Experts at Hand.”
However, it is important to be clear that there remains many questions.
Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
The proposals introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for children whose needs can be met within mainstream support, while EHCPs would continue for children and young people with more complex needs.
Tiers of Support
The proposals introduce a National Inclusion Standard that will be available to all students and focuses on offering support earlier and high-quality teaching within education.
Where targeted or higher levels of support are required these will fall under the proposed 3 tiers of support: Targeted, Targeted Plus and Specialist and will be supported with ISP’s (all three tiers of support), Experts at Hand and access to a Support Base (Targeted Plus) and Specialist support through an EHCP in mainstream or special setting (Specialist).
At the heart of the proposals is a vision to strengthen inclusive practice in mainstream education, with a more consistent, rights-based approach so that children’s needs are recognised and supported earlier.
What you need to know right now
Nothing has changed in law.
Your child’s current support and provision should remain in place.These proposals are part of a national consultation process, which means they will be discussed, reviewed and may change before anything is implemented.
Consultation closes: 18 May 2026
SGPC’s Bite Size Surveys closes: 3rd May
If changes are introduced, the earliest implementation is expected between 2029–2030.
Timeline for the changes
Phase One: 2026 - 2028
Investment and building new system
Workforce training programmes for all staff
Schools, collages and early years settings receive Inclusive Mainstream Fund
Experts and Hand comes on stream for all settings
Specialist Provision Packages published
National Inclusion Standards Published
Phase Two: 2028 - 2029
Improved Support
Continue to invest and build up the new system
New Legislation expected to come in from September 2029
Phase Three: School Year 2029/30 onwards
Future System
School year 2029/30: First assessments of children take place under the new system
Independent special school price restrictions introduced
EHCP National Inclusion Standard and Individual Support Plan legislation enacted.
First children using Specialist Provision Packages
60,000 new school places for children with SEND will have been created in special schools and inclusion bases
How you can get involved
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.
If possible, we would always recommend that you complete both feedback options.
As your local parent carer forum SGPC will:
Review the detail of the White Paper carefully.
Share updates as further clarification emerges.
Provide opportunities for local families to share their views.
Respond to the consultation, sharing your voice.
Feed South Gloucestershire parent carer experiences into the national conversation via the NNPCF.
SGPC Bitesize Surveys
Targeted and Targeted Plus
Specialist Packages and EHCPs
Funding, Transitions and Alternative Provision
What if my child doesn’t fit?
Complaints process, Accountability and Judicial Review
And finally…
Closing Midnight Sunday 3rd May 2026
Have your say!
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.
Each survey only takes a few minutes, but your voice can make a real difference. Please take part and help ensure that the perspectives of families in our community are heard.
See below for the latest updates
What is a White Paper and What happens next?
Consultation: The Government asks for views.
This is where organisations like the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), PCFs like SGPC, professionals across the education sector and families like you can share feedback over the next 12 weeks.
Review and changes:
The Government will consider the feedback and then may revise their proposals.
New laws:
If changes to the law are required, which we suspect there will be, the Government must introduce a Bill to Parliament.
Parliamentary process:
The Bill is debated and examined by Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, and amendments can be made.
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.
The publication of a white paper does not change existing SEND law. Your child’s legal rights to support remain in place.
Becoming law:
If both Houses agree, the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament.
Who can respond:
children, young people and families
teachers and leaders
schools, trusts and early years and post-16 providers
local authorities
experts and academic organisations
representative groups
Respond directly to the consultation
The government has now published its consultation document and asks for comments from everyone with an interest.
There are 39 questions (Annex C) which cover how to best support children and young people, targeted support, specialist support, accountability and responses to changes to the system.
You can take part online (please note you don’t need to answer every question).
Closing Date 11:59pm
18 May 2026
Who are the NNPCF?
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) is the independent national voice for Parent Carer Forums across the nine Department for Education (DfE) regions in England.
Established in 2011, the NNPCF brings together 153 local Parent Carer Forums, including SGPC. The NNPCF works directly with the Department for Education, NHS England and other national partners to represent the lived experience of parent carers in shaping policy and reform.
The NNPCF has been engaging with senior civil servants, Ministers and national stakeholders throughout the development of these proposals and will now be gathering feedback from local forums to inform a collective national response.
