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Timeline

SEND Reforms 2026: Timeline

A visual timeline from the White Paper through consultation, legislation, ISPs becoming statutory in 2029 and the EHCP transition from 2030.

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.

Key milestones

  1. Schools White Paper published

    The Government sets out proposals for SEND reform, including Individual Support Plans and a stronger duty on mainstream schools.

    Every Child Achieving and Thriving — Schools White Paper, GOV.UK

  2. Public consultation (closed 18 May 2026)

    Parents, schools, councils, charities and clinicians could respond. The Government has said it will publish a response before introducing legislation.

    SEND reforms consultation — GOV.UK

  3. next

    Government response and legislation

    The Government is expected to publish its response to the consultation and introduce a Bill to Parliament. Until any Bill is passed, the Children and Families Act 2014 remains the law.

  4. Implementation period

    Schools, councils and the workforce prepare. Funding, training, regulations and guidance are developed. EHCPs continue exactly as today.

  5. Individual Support Plans become statutory

    If legislation passes as proposed, schools would have a statutory duty to use Individual Support Plans for relevant SEND children from the start of the 2029/30 academic year.

  6. Phased transition from EHCPs

    Children currently on EHCPs would only move to the new system at the end of an education phase (e.g. primary → secondary, post-16). No child would be moved mid-phase. Children with the most complex needs are expected to keep EHCPs.

Frequently asked questions

Is anything happening before 2029?

Not in law. Between now and 2029 the current system continues. Schools and councils may pilot new approaches, but the Children and Families Act 2014 remains in force.

Could the timeline slip?

Yes. Reform timetables often change after consultation, during Parliamentary debate, or because implementation takes longer than planned. Treat 2029 and 2030 as the earliest dates, not guarantees.

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