SEND reforms information for parents and carers
The Department for Education published the schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving and the consultation on SEND reforms: putting children and young people first on 23 February 2026.
In Lewisham, we welcome the SEND reforms, which share our long-held ambition to strengthen inclusion in schools and settings so that more children and young (CYP) people with SEND can access high‑quality education locally and thrive in their communities. We are keen for reforms to deliver earlier, more joined‑up support for CYP and their families and we await further details of how funding will be allocated by the government to support this.
The Council will be responding to DfE SEND reforms consultation which closes on 18 May 2026. We encourage young people, parents and carers, schools and settings, partners and other stakeholders to read the proposals and respond to the consultation.
Information sheets and further information on the reforms
The DfE has produced a summary information sheet for parents and carers, What parents of children and young people with SEND need to know, and specific information sheets for parents of CYP with SEND in different types of school/setting:
- information sheet for parents of SEND CYP mainstream schools/settings
- information sheet for parents of SEND CYP with EHCPs
- information sheet for parents of CYP in special schools
There are also information sheets for CYP:
Lewisham SEND service is holding a series of SEND ‘Meet the Managers’ discussion sessions for families of CYP with SEND through the Spring and Summer:
Lewisham Parent Carer Forum will also be sharing information and events, so keep an eye on their website.
Once again, we encourage you to take time to read through the information sheets and respond to the consultation.
FAQs
My child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), will these reforms mean my child may lose it?
If your child has an EHCP nothing will change and your child will continue to have the usual annual reviews to ensure the plan is working for your child
My child is in the process of being assessed for an EHCP, will the reforms mean they will no longer be given one?
If your child is already in the process of being assessed for an EHCP, this will continue as normal and if they require one, a plan will be provided
My child will be transferring from primary to secondary school, will the reforms mean that they lose out on support?
If your child has an EHCP or is on the SEND register your child’s school SENCO will support you in the transfer to secondary school. We have made an information booklet to inform you about the transfer process. You can also watch a video which support parents on the transfer process from primary to secondary school.
We have also made an information video on the transfer from early years setting to primary school with an EHCP