Meaningful SEND Reform Requires Parent Collaboration

It has been a month since the Government released its SEND reform whitepaper, and for many families, schools and professionals, the initial sense of anticipation has given way to uncertainty. 

The whitepaper outlines an ambition to reshape a system that has long struggled to keep pace with rising needs. Yet, as the SEND consultation progresses and councils begin working on reform proposals, questions remain about how these suggestions will translate into real‑world change.

Earlier this week, I hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the council, the Parent Carer Forum and a number of parents. Their message was clear: though a carefully prepared whitepaper is welcome, it only matters if meaningful reform follows.

But what does meaningful reform look like?

It’s widely accepted that any major overhaul to the system should be planned and implemented alongside parents, carers, and young people. Yet, the current timelines for drafting proposals make this difficult. West Berkshire Council notes that their draft reform proposal must be submitted by mid-May, one of the busiest times of the year for schools, parents, and carers.

For parents, this feels rushed. Many worry that the accelerated pace will lead to decisions being made based on cost pressures rather than children’s needs. Meanwhile, some worry that change won’t happen at all. Parents who have lived through previous rounds of reform feel that proposals are repetitive and vague, leading many to feel that this is nothing more than a cost-cutting exercise. 

What's clear is that meaningful reform requires more than a well‑written document. It requires thoughtful collaboration with the families who rely on the system. That means ensuring that the consultation process meets parents and carers where they are and allows adequate time to develop proposals that reflect their realities.

Until the system adapts to the capacity and lived experience of families, the changes outlined in the whitepaper will struggle to deliver the transformation that children and parents deserve.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this productive roundtable discussion. I look forward to supporting you further throughout the consultation and reform process and in your work towards securing the support you deserve.