Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable children with SEND can access education and achieve their potential.
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It has been reported that the government is considering making changes to The Children and Families Act 2014, which sets out the legal rights to assessment and statutory support in education for disabled children. We believe that these rights do not only help vulnerable children and their families - they also reduce costs to the state in adulthood. We think that removing statutory obligations on local authorities could mean many children do not get the support they need to reach their potential.
Wednesday 4th June 2025
As part of our Plan for Change, we will restore families’ confidence and ensure that children with SEND will get the tailored support they need to achieve and thrive.
Government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right, tailored support to achieve and thrive in their education and as they move into adult life.
We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in early years and mainstream settings, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children with the most complex needs. Any changes we make to the system will improve support for children and parents, stop parents from having to fight for support, and protect provision currently in place.
We will strengthen accountability and inclusivity through Ofsted, support the mainstream workforce to increase their SEND expertise, and encourage schools to set up Resourced Provision or SEN units to increase capacity in mainstream schools.
The Department is working closely with experts in convening and engaging with the sector, including leaders, practitioners, children and families on how we can deliver the better system our children need and deserve.
We have also established an expert advisory group for inclusion to improve the mainstream education outcomes and experiences for those with SEND, and a Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group to provide a shared understanding of what provision and support in mainstream educational settings should look like for neurodivergent children and young people within an inclusive system.
This work forms part of the government’s Opportunity Mission, which will break the unfair link between background and opportunity – starting with giving every child, including those with SEND, the best start in life.
We will work with the sector as essential and valued partners to deliver our shared mission and restore parents’ trust.
Department for Education