SEND Reform National Conversation

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Join the national conversation on SEND: Your voice matters!

SEND reform national conversation

The Department for Education is inviting all parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to take part in the SEND Reform National Conversation, likely the biggest and most important discussion about SEND in a generation.

Why this matters for you

The Department will publish the Schools White Paper in 2026, outlining ambitious plans to improve SEND support so every child can thrive. But before those plans are finalised, they want your real-life experiences and insights, what works, what doesn’t, and what changes could make a real difference. 

This is an open national conversation, not a formal consultation meaning your voice can help shape the direction and priorities of future policies. 

How you can get involved

  1. Share your experiences - Tell them about your journey
  2. Join live discussions - Schools Minister Georgia Gould will lead online events featuring expert panels.
  3. Use the Stakeholder Toolkit - A digital toolkit is available, specifically created for parents, carers, and children.

Why your voice makes a difference

  • Shape the White Paper: This national conversation is meant to directly influence the 2026 Schools White Paper and any future formal consultations on SEND.
  • Ensure real-world impact: Policies shaped by lived experience are more likely to be practical and effective.
  • Build community: Engage with other parents and organisations, raise awareness, share ideas, and form supportive communities.

What you can do today

  1. Visit the SEND Reform National Conversation page. Read about upcoming online events, download the stakeholder toolkit, and explore how to share your views.
  2. Sign up for online events. Look out for announcements and register for live discussions where Schools Minister Georgia Gould and other experts will be present.
  3. Talk to your child. Involve them in the conversation, ask what’s working for them at school, what they’d like to see improved, and help them share their ideas.
  4. Use the toolkit to host a discussion. Share the PowerPoint with your local SEND support group or with other parents - spark meaningful conversations and collect collective feedback.

Let’s shape a better SEND system together.

This is your opportunity to ensure that SEND reform reflects the real, day-to-day experiences of families like yours. Your insights can directly influence the policies that shape the education and support of children with SEND across England.

Don't miss this chance to be part of the biggest SEND conversation in a generation. Visit the SEND reform national conversation webpage.