SEND Changes Are Coming: 7 Things Parents Should Be Doing Now
The SEND system in England is going through a period of significant proposed reform.
The Government's national SEND reform consultation closed in May 2026, and further consultations and local implementation work are now underway.
With so much information circulating, it can be difficult to know what parents should actually be doing.
Here are seven practical things you can do now.
1. Know what your child's EHCP currently says
Before worrying about future changes, make sure you understand the plan your child has right now.
Read each section carefully.
Pay particular attention to:
Your child's identified needs
Their outcomes
The provision they are entitled to receive
Their named placement
If something is inaccurate or outdated, make a note of it.
2. Check whether the provision is actually being delivered
An EHCP is only useful if the provision written into it is being delivered.
Look at the support specified in your child's plan.
Ask:
What support should my child receive?
How often should they receive it?
Who should provide it?
Is it actually happening?
Keep a record of any significant gaps between the provision described in the plan and what your child is receiving.
3. Keep your evidence organised
Start a simple SEND folder.
You could include:
EHCPs and amendments
School reports
Professional reports
Emails
Meeting notes
Attendance information
Examples of your child's work
Your own observations
You don't need hundreds of documents.
You need useful evidence that helps explain your child's needs and progress.
4. Make sure your child's voice is included
SEND reform places considerable emphasis on children, young people and families having a voice in decisions about support.
Don't focus only on what professionals think.
Think about:
What does my child enjoy?
What do they find difficult?
What helps them?
What do they want for the future?
What would they say about their current support?
Your knowledge of your child is important.
5. Don't wait for reform to raise current concerns
One of the biggest mistakes parents can make is thinking:
"The system is changing, so I'll wait and see what happens."
If your child needs support now, address the issue now.
The current SEND system remains in operation while the reforms are developed.
Your child's needs do not have to wait for policy changes.
6. Keep up with reliable information
SEND reform is likely to generate plenty of headlines and social media discussions.
Not everything you read online will accurately explain what has actually changed.
Look for information from:
Your local authority
SENDIASS
IPSEA
Your child's school or setting
The Government's main SEND reform consultation closed on 18 May 2026, but further consultations are still being published. For example, a consultation on education otherwise than at school opened in July and closes on 18 September 2026.
7. Prepare for your child's next Annual Review
Your child's Annual Review is still important.
Use it to consider:
What has changed?
Which outcomes have been achieved?
What support is working?
What isn't working?
Have new needs emerged?
Does the EHCP still accurately describe your child?
Does the provision need to change?
The Annual Review is an opportunity to make sure the plan continues to reflect your child's current circumstances.
A simple rule to remember
Don't plan for the SEND system you might have in the future.
Advocate for the support your child needs today.
The proposed reforms may eventually change how SEND support is organised, but parents still have an important role in understanding and using the system that currently exists.
SEND Sights takeaway
You don't need to become an expert in SEND policy.
You need to understand your child's needs, know what support they are currently entitled to, keep good records and feel confident asking questions.
Stay informed — but don't let uncertainty about future reforms stop you from advocating for your child now.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. SEND policy and proposed reforms may change as the Government develops its plans.