Schools White Paper
The Schools White Paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving was finally published in February 2026. It includes major reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England.
A White Paper is a policy document produced by the Government setting out proposals for future legislation [MORE]
Summary Proposed Changes
- EHCPs to continue but only for “the most complex needs” (not defined)
- EHCP provision restricted to Specialist Provision Packages designed by a national panel of experts [SEE SPECIALIST PROVISION ANNEX PDF HERE]
- Children previously eligible for EHCPs to have Individual Support Plans created by their schools instead
- New “tiered approach” below EHCPs – “Targeted Support” and “Targeted Support Plus” layers
- “Inclusion Bases” in mainstream schools
- Mainstream schools to have access to advice from specialists (described as “Experts At Hand”)
- Parents only able to choose from an approved list of schools
- Parents no longer able to ask tribunal to name a school
- Independent special schools obligated to deliver Specialist Provision Packages
- Funding to be capped for independent special schools and specialist college placements
Consultation
The public consultation to accompany the White Paper – SEND reform: putting children and young people first – closed on 18 May 2026.
One of the useful documents accompanying the consultation is the Equalities Impact Assessment from which the extract below appears at page 25
The Department for Education has also produced shorter FACT SHEETS which are linked from this page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-send-reforms-sheets
The Schools White Paper does not say anything about Education Otherwise Than At School [EOTAS], only about time-limited alternative provision to support reintegration to mainstream.
The consultation does not have any questions about limiting the powers of tribunals. After a legal complaint about this, the government suggested feedback could be given in the “any other comments” question at the end. Read more HERE.
Turning White Paper Into Law
On May 13th 2026 the Kings Speech announced the government’s planned legislative programme for the coming parliamentary session at the State Opening Of Parliament. The White Paper changes will be included in a new Education For All Bill. At present we only have limited information in the Background Briefing to the Kings Speech pages 49-53 [LINK]
Existing EHCPs
Some changes could be introduced by September 2029. However, the White Paper says that children who already have EHCPs prior to September 2029 will keep them throughout their existing phase of education (ie until they reach the end of primary, secondary, or post-16)
The government is expecting an increase in EHCP applications before the EHCP threshold is raised. Below is information on applying for an EHC needs assessment which can be done by parents, not just by schools.
Interplay With Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act
As of the end of April 2026 the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is an Act of Parliament. It does not stop children with special educational needs and disabilities [SEND] from being home educated. At the same time, the Act will definitely hit families harder where there is special needs or disability.