Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to outline the proposed timetable for the introduction of the Education for All Bill in this Parliamentary session.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

As set out in the ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper and the accompanying consultation document, the government’s reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system will be a long-term programme delivered over the next decade. Until then, the current system, with its existing duties, rights, and funding routes, will remain in place.

Alongside this, the department has committed over £4 billion investment in SEND reform over the next three years to strengthen the system now. This will ensure appropriate high-quality school places are available for children with SEND, ahead of legislative changes.

The SEND consultation has now closed. We are carefully reviewing responses to the consultation alongside feedback from over 200 engagement events we held over 12 weeks and we will set out our response in due course.

We will introduce the Education for All Bill in this Parliamentary session, when Parliamentary time allows.