The Department For Education has recently launched a National SEND Conversation to enable SEND families and Practitioners to share their experiences and ideas about how to improve the way support is accessed and delivered. The feedback gathered during this conversation will inform and influence the Schools White Paper, expected early in 2026 and how the SEND system will look in the future. This is not a formal consultation. A public consultation on some aspects of the Governments SEND plans will be launched alongside publication of the Schools White Paper.
This conversation will include a number of different opportunities to participate and share your views, including online discussions and face to face events. PACC will be sharing the experience of Shropshire Parent Carers at the West Midlands in person event in January. There is also an online survey (closes 14th January 2026) that you can complete if you can’t attend any of the events.
The Government is structuring this conversation around 5 core principles;
Early intervention, including earlier in children’s lives when this can have most impact.
Local provision, so young people can learn at a school close to their home, alongside their peers, as well as the vital role of special provision for complex needs.
Fairness, so every school has the resources and capability to meet changing needs – stopping parents fighting for support and ensuring clear legal safeguards for children and parents.
Effective practice, grounded in evidence to ensure excellent long-term outcomes.
Shared working that means education, health and care services working in partnership with local government, families, teachers, experts and representative bodies.
More information can be found here
Questions to consider about the 5 core principles being discussed can be read here
The online survey is available here