Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to (a) extend the consultation period and (b) hold further discussions with (i) specialist and (ii) independent providers on the proposed schools white paper.

This government is determined to deliver reform that stands the test of time and rebuilds the confidence of families.

To ensure lived experience and partnership are at the heart of our reforms, we have launched a national conversation on SEND with children, young people and their families, experts, charities and other sector organisations through our SEND Ministerial development group, regional and online engagement sessions, and ministerial roundtables. Further information is available here: https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-reform-national-conversation/.

The experiences shared during these engagement opportunities will be vital in ensuring that our proposals effectively deliver meaningful reforms for families. We will continue engagement as part of a formal consultation following the White Paper publication, and the responses received will be carefully considered in shaping the reforms.