Before you go… We’ve recently launched our new website. We’d really value your quick feedback.
This page explains the SEND White Paper, what might change because of it, what is not changing yet, and how families in Bristol can share their views.
The SEND White Paper is a proposal. This means nothing has changed yet, and the law stays the same for now. The consultation is open until 18 May, so families still have time to share their views.
You can respond to the government consultation directly, or you can share your views through our short survey. We will use what you tell us to help shape a response that we will send on behalf of Bristol families.
We are not leading campaigns or protests on this issue, but we are listening to families and we will be feeding back their concerns so local family voices are heard.
The 2026 SEND White Paper, titled ‘Every child achieving and thriving’, is a UK government document outlining major possible changes for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in England.
These are major changes and moving to any new system won’t happen overnight. This page is here to help you understand what these changes are and how they may affect your family. As things change we will add updates and white paper news to this page.
The White Paper sets out ideas about SEND support changes. You have a chance to share your views on some of the changes
Some parts of the SEND system will change, including how support is planned and how decisions, and disputes are handled
Nothing has changed yet. The law and your rights stay the same for now. If there is a change, we will let you know on this page
You can learn more about the changes, share your views, and take part in the consultation. If this isn’t your experience get in touch
There are four simple ways you can take part in the consultation. Choose what works for you. We know this can feel stressful. Take your time and look after yourself and your family. If we can help, please get in touch.
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Join our event
Come to our event with Polly Kerr (from Simpson Millar Solicitors) to learn what the SEND White Paper might mean for your family.
21st April, 7pm, zoom.
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Share your views
Tell us what you think. We will use this to help shape our local area response to the consultation and share what Bristol families are saying.
Closes at midnight on the 24th April.
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Respond to the consultation
This is the official way to have your say. You do not need to answer every question.
Focus on what matters most to you and give real examples.
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Contact your MP
You can write to your MP to share your concerns and what this could mean for your child.
Some rights are still in place now. Some changes are being consulted on. Some other areas are causing concern, and not all changes are part of the consultation as shown by a * symbol.
The government has shared a plan to change how support for children with SEND works in England. The idea is to make sure children get help earlier, do well in school, and feel included.
But a lot of people are still trying to work out what this will really mean in practice
One of the biggest changes is around Education, Health and Care Plans – known as EHCPs.
The White Paper suggests that most children with SEND would no longer have an EHCP. Instead, they would have something new called an Individual Support Plan (ISP).
EHCPs may only be for children with the most complex needs. But right now, it’s not clear how “complex” will be defined.
They are also talking about a three-level system of support. This means:
This might sound new, but for many families, it may feel quite similar to what already happens.
Some changes to EHCPs are not part of the consultation, as these decisions have already been made. This means tribunal powers are expected to be significantly reduced and different from how they work now.The plan suggests that more children with SEND will be supported in local mainstream schools. This could be really valuable for some, as many families in Bristol tell us they want support close to home.
Some schools may have small spaces or groups (sometimes called “inclusion bases”) where children can get more focused help.
Schools would also have to be clearer about what support they offer and how they support children and young people with SEND. This would become part of their OFSTED inspection.
At the moment, there isn’t much detail about how these bases would work. For example, it’s not clear:
So while the idea is quite clear, how it would work day to day is still unclear to many families.
These would be professionals who can support school staff, help spot needs earlier, and give advice without families always needing to go through long assessment processes.
It’s not fully clear yet:
The government has said it will put more money into SEND support (around £4 billion).
This is meant to help with:
But it’s not clear yet how that money will reach children, young people, schools or services.
Some people feel hopeful. They think:
Others are worried. They are asking:
Both of these views can be true at the same time.
Before you go… We’ve recently launched our new website. We’d really value your quick feedback.
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