SEND Reform Guide for Parents

Dear parents & our SEND community,

As you will almost certainly be aware, the government is proposing to reform how Special Educational Needs are met in England.

The consultation on their proposals closes on May 18 at 11:59pm. 

Here are links to the Consultation and White Paper.

There are many worthy intentions in the Government’s proposals, but good intentions don’t become reality unless they are adequately thought out and resourced, as the last 12 years have shown. Important rights and safeguards are under threat, and we urge you to join us in opposing this.

It is vital that as many families and young people as possible reply to the consultation. Silence will be taken as consent. You do not need to answer every question, only those that you have opinions on.

When formulating your response, it is important to think about:

• YOUR concerns and fit them into the questions
• Don’t answer a question (or questions) if it doesn’t seem appropriate
• These are proposals and intentions – consider them in relation to your own experience
• Don’t be constrained – if necessary, use the final box

To support you, we’ve produced a breakdown of the White Paper’s main points and our observations on them here.

We have also collated a list of resources and FAQs created by trusted organisations to help you navigate the consultation:

• Sense Charity’s SEND Reform FAQ
• Special Needs Jungle guidance to help you respond to the White Paper SEND Consultation
• Special Needs Jungle article ‘Accountability After SEND Reform, a system that marks it’s own homework’
• Special Needs Jungle article ‘Capital carrot, SEND steamroller: The Government’s evidence-light reform route isn’t waiting for anyone’ 
• IPSEA Campaign Resources 
• How a White Paper becomes a Law article 
• The Disabled Children’s Partnership guide to White Paper consultation

We encourage you to write to your MP and get your school involved. You can use IPSEA’s letter template here.

All current Law and processes remain in place until new law is enacted, 2029/30 at the earliest.

We are here to help you. If you have concerns or need further information please contact Alexhardy@ruils.co.uk or call Alex on 07507805966.