Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, families navigating the SEND system are understandably asking: what's coming next? Let's cut through the jargon and look at where we actually are with SEND reform and what it means for you and your child.
The Big News: White Paper Delayed (Again)
The Schools White Paper that was supposed to arrive in autumn 2025 has been pushed back to "early 2026". Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the delay in October, explaining that the government wants more time for "co-creation" with families, teachers, and experts.
What does this actually mean? Instead of rushing through reforms, the Department for Education is holding regional listening sessions and meeting regularly with parent and expert groups. They're testing proposals and gathering feedback before finalising anything.
Should We Be Worried or Relieved?
Honestly? A bit of both. On one hand, it's genuinely positive that the government is taking time to listen to families rather than imposing top-down changes. Real consultation matters, especially when we're talking about our children's futures.
On the other hand, thousands of families are living in limbo right now. The uncertainty is exhausting. Will rights be protected? Will EHCPs be harder to get? What's actually going to change?
As one expert put it: "The delay is deeply frustrating for parents who need an end to the uncertainty, but it's important that the government takes time to make the right decisions."
The Five Principles Guiding Reform
Bridget Phillipson has outlined five principles that will underpin the SEND reforms. Here's what they mean in plain English:
1. Early – Children get support as soon as possible, before needs escalate
- Why this matters: Early intervention can prevent minor difficulties becoming major crises
2. Local – Children can attend a school close to home
- Why this matters: No more families forced to choose between quality provision and exhausting daily journeys
3. Fair – Every school resourced to meet common needs without parents having to fight
- Why this matters: This is huge—the principle that you shouldn't need to battle for basic support
4. Effective – Reforms grounded in evidence and best practice
- Why this matters: What actually works for children, not what's cheapest or easiest
5. Shared – Education, health, and care services work in partnership
- Why this matters: No more passing the buck between services or families stuck in the middle
These principles sound good on paper. The real test will be whether they translate into genuine support on the ground.
What the Education Committee Said
In September 2025, the Education Select Committee published their report "Solving the SEND Crisis" with crystal clear recommendations:
- No withdrawal of statutory entitlements for children and young people
- Focus on inclusivity and early intervention to reduce EHCP numbers, not by limiting access, but by meeting needs earlier
- Strengthen both mainstream AND specialist provision
- Better support for local authorities
The government responded in December 2025, but, frustratingly, didn't provide detailed answers to the committee's recommendations. They're waiting until the White Paper.
The Financial Reality
Let's be honest about why reform is happening: money. The Public Accounts Committee stated in January 2025 that the system has reached - or already passed - "crisis point".
Despite significant extra funding being provided, the system is still not delivering.
Here's the crucial bit: The government has promised that the Treasury will absorb these costs through central budgets when the override expires but they're also tying future support to local authorities implementing "a reformed, inclusive education system".
Your Rights Right Now
While we wait for the White Paper, here's what you absolutely need to know:
Nothing has changed yet. Your child's legal rights remain exactly the same as they were in 2024. The current law still applies:
- The 20-week EHCP timeline still exists (even if only half of councils meet it)
- Your right to request an assessment hasn't changed
- Your right to appeal to tribunal remains intact
- Schools must still make reasonable adjustments
If your Local Authority (LA) says "we can't afford it" or "the system is changing"… that's not a legal reason to refuse support. Current law is current law.
What to Do While We Wait
1. Stay informed but don't panic The White Paper will be published "early 2026" probably January or February. When it comes out, take time to read it properly (or ask an advocate to explain it). Don't rely on headlines alone.
2. Document everything Keep records of all communication with your LA, school, and health services. If reforms do change the system, you'll want a clear paper trail of your child's needs and what support they've been receiving.
3. Engage with consultations When the government consults on specific changes, make your voice heard. Parent experience is powerful evidence…use it.
4. Know your non-negotiables What matters most for your child? A specific school placement? Particular therapies? Think about what you'd be willing to compromise on and what you absolutely wouldn't.
5. Consider getting support now If you're facing tribunal or struggling with your LA, don't wait for "the system to change". Get the support you need now. Current law gives you real rights…use them.
The Tribunal Picture
The SEND Tribunal continues to be overwhelmed. In 2024, there was a 55% rise in appeals, with local authorities winning just 1.3% of cases that went to full hearing. That's not a typo. LAs lost 98.7% of cases they defended to the end.
What does this tell us? That families are being forced to fight for what the law already says they're entitled to. And when cases are properly heard, families' rights are upheld.
The tribunal backlog now stands at around 15,000 open cases. If you're in the system, this means longer waits—but it doesn't change your rights.
Looking Ahead
2026 will be a pivotal year for SEND. The White Paper will set the direction for years to come, potentially reshaping how children access support, how schools are funded, and what families can expect.
Here’s what won't change: parents will still know their children best. Families will still fight for what their kids need. And the law will still matter.
The government says there will "always be a legal right to additional support for children and young people with SEND". We need to hold them to that promise.
Whatever reforms emerge, they must genuinely improve outcomes for children, not just reduce costs for councils. The test of any system is simple: does it help children with SEND reach their potential? Everything else is detail.
Stay tuned. Stay informed. Remember, you're not alone in this.