SEND Reform – What this means for Walsall families

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Information for Walsall families.

SEND Reform - what this means for Walsall families

You may have seen recent news about the government's new SEND White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which sets out proposals for how support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could change in the future.

We know that hearing about changes to SEND can feel unsettling for families. We want to reassure you that nothing is changing for your child right now.

Your child's current support, including any Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), remains in place. Schools, early years settings, colleges, health services and the Local Authority will continue to meet their existing legal duties and provide support as they do now.

What is happening?

The government has published proposals to improve the SEND system across England. The aim is to make support easier to access, strengthen inclusion in local schools and settings, and improve the way education, health and care services work together.

These proposals are still being considered nationally.

Alongside this, Walsall has submitted its own Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. This sets out how we would like to strengthen SEND support across the borough over the coming years, building on the work already taking place with children, families, schools, settings and our health and care partners.

What could change in the future?

The government has proposed a number of national changes to the SEND system. These include strengthening support in mainstream schools and settings, improving access to specialist advice and expertise, introducing Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and developing more consistent approaches to meeting children's needs across the country.

What does this mean for my family?

For now, the most important message is that nothing changes.

  • Your child's current support continues.
  • Existing EHCPs remain in place.
  • Your legal rights have not changed.
  • Schools, settings, health services and the Local Authority will continue to support children and young people in the usual way.

As national reforms develop, we will continue to share clear and timely information about what they mean for families in Walsall.

Our commitment to families

Improving the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND remains a priority for Walsall.

We will continue to work closely with parents, carers, young people, schools, settings, health partners and voluntary organisations as plans develop. Listening to families and working together will remain central to how we shape future services.

We understand that families may have questions, and we are committed to providing clear, honest updates as more information becomes available.

Further information, including the Department for Education's guides for parents and carers about the SEND reforms, is available below.