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SEND Reforms 2026: What Parents Need to Know

In February 2026 the Government published a Schools White Paper that proposes the biggest changes to SEND support in a decade. This hub explains what it says, what it would mean for your child — and what has actually changed in law so far (the answer: nothing).

Last updated:

Important: these proposals are not yet law.

The Schools White Paper sets out what the Government intends to do. Until Parliament passes legislation, nothing changes: the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Regulations 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice still apply in full. Proposals may change after consultation. We will update these pages as new information is published.

Latest official updates

CONSULTATION CLOSED

Education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) reform consultation

What’s changed
The consultation was updated 14 July 2026 and runs until 18 September 2026. Nothing changes now. Any future change would require Parliament; the earliest stated implementation is September 2030.
Who is affected
Parents and carers of children and young people who receive, or may need, education otherwise than at school.
What to do
Read the consultation and respond before the closing date if it affects your family.

Official source · Closed after 18 September 2026 · Last checked 29 September 2026

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE

Experts at Hand

What’s changed
The offer is due to launch through local areas from September 2026. A diagnosis is not required. It supplements rather than replaces EHCP support, and availability will vary locally.
Who is affected
Families seeking earlier help through participating local areas.
What to do
Ask your local area whether the offer is available; continue any current EHCP request or appeal.

Official source · Last checked 29 September 2026

CURRENT GUIDANCE

Free school meals and transport

What’s changed
Free school meal eligibility expanded for 2026/27, but families must claim and be verified. It does not automatically create eligibility for targeted HAF, transport or pupil-premium schemes. SEND and mobility transport rules are separate.
Who is affected
Families claiming Universal Credit and families checking SEND-related travel support.
What to do
Make a free school meals claim, then check school transport eligibility separately. For EOTAS, ask for your child’s individual circumstances to be considered.

Official source · Transport source · Last checked 29 September 2026

If you need to complain about your local authority

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman reported that it upheld 94% of the SEND cases it investigated in 2024–25. This does not mean 94% of every complaint submitted was upheld: it covers cases taken through detailed investigation.

Nothing in the law has changed yet

This is the single most important thing to know. Despite the headlines, no Act of Parliament has been passed. The Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3) still sets out every right your child has, and the SEND Regulations 2014 and SEND Code of Practice still apply.

  • EHCPs remain legally binding.
  • The 20-week statutory timeline still applies.
  • Annual reviews still happen as normal.
  • SEND Tribunal appeal rights are unchanged.
  • Section 42 placement and provision duties still bite.

What the White Paper proposes

The Every Child Achieving and Thriving — the Schools White Paper laid before Parliament on 23 February 2026 and the explanatory series published on the DfE Education Hub set out four main proposals:

  • A new Individual Support Plan (ISP) — a school-based plan intended to cover most children currently on SEN Support or with an EHCP for mainstream needs.
  • Stronger duties on mainstream schools to provide ordinarily available provision, with new training and accountability.
  • Earlier identification, with a national framework for SEND support in early years and primary.
  • A gradual transition from the current EHCP system, beginning no earlier than 2030 and only at the end of education phases (e.g. primary to secondary, post-16).

Crucially, the White Paper does not abolish EHCPs. The DfE has confirmed that EHCPs — in a reformed, digital form — will stay in place for children with the most complex needs, alongside new Specialist Provision Packages in mainstream or specialist settings. The day-to-day support for those children would be recorded in their Individual Support Plan.

The Government has confirmed its intention to legislate through a new Education for All Bill, announced in this year's King's Speech. The Bill is still subject to the consultation outcome and has not yet been passed, so nothing is law yet (source: DfE Education Hub, 13 May 2026).

Explore the hub

Frequently asked questions

Has the law about EHCPs changed?

No. Last checked 29 September 2026, the current EHCP law remains in force. The Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Regulations 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice continue to apply. Consultations and policy announcements are proposals, not law unless Parliament changes the legislation.

What is the Schools White Paper?

A White Paper is a policy document the Government publishes to set out what it plans to do. It is not legislation. The Schools White Paper published in February 2026 sets out the Government's intended direction for SEND reform, including a new Individual Support Plan to sit alongside or replace EHCPs over time.

When could any of this become law?

The proposals would require Parliament to change the law. Government consultation material says the earliest stated implementation is September 2030, but that is not a guarantee: timing and detail can change.

Should I stop my EHCP application?

No. The current law remains in force. If you have applied or are about to apply for an EHCP, carry on as normal. See our guide on what to do now.

Sources

This page is information, not legal advice. For advice about your own case, contact IPSEA, SOSSEN or your local SENDIASS.

More on the 2026 SEND reforms