Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? 

A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as well as speech, language, and communication needs, has fuelled an increase in EHCPs. This growing demand has placed pressure on a SEND system considered inconsistent, underfunded, and slow to deliver support. 

 The government has promised reforms to address these long-standing issues, but as of March 2025,  details remain unclear. The Guardian suggests a SEND whitepaper is in development, but no official timeline has been confirmed. The education committee has urged the Department for Education (DfE) to provide clarity. Ministers are expected to publish the whitepaper in late spring, detailing the next steps for reform. Yet the extent of proposed changes and whether they will lead to a formal SEND Reform Bill remain uncertain. The whitepaper serves as a foundation for potential future legislation, but it is not itself a bill. 

What’s expected 
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson outlined plans to oversee “system-wide” reform in September 2024. The government is believed to be considering changes to existing SEND legislation that councils hope would ease the deficits, prioritising state school provision and cutting council spending on private specialist needs schools. To understand the scale, it is important to distinguish between a whitepaper and a potential reform bill. 

The Reform Bill and whitepaper 
The whitepaper and the reform bill are not the same. In 2022, a SEND report titled SEND Review: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time, outlines SEND and alternative provision reforms. It covered learning outcomes, negative experiences, and financial unsustainability in the SEND system. 

In contrast, a SEND reform bill is a legislative proposal based on the outcomes of the whitepaper consultation. As of March 2025, no bill has been introduced. The government has yet to clarify plans or timelines for moving forward with legislative changes.  

Government reforms and new specialist places 
On 4 December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools. Major reforms to the SEND system were initiated with a £740 million capital investment to create more specialist places. It will pave the way for the government's plans for reform to help SEND pupils have their needs met in mainstream schools. 

Expanding CPD to meet SEND reform demands 
With the SEND Reform Bill and evolving education policies, the demand for educators has surged. As the SEND population grows and diversifies, educators must have specialised knowledge. CPD is essential for teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest SEND strategies, best practices, and legislation. 

What schools need to know 
Schools and educators must stay informed about the evolving SEND reforms. Funding, provision, and legislation changes will impact service delivery. Understanding reforms is crucial for compliance and ensuring high-quality support for SEND learners.  

Stay ahead with SEND Reform
With new legislation and funding changes on the horizon, it's vital your school is prepared. Our brand-new SEND guide unpacks what’s known so far, what’s coming next, and how Teaching Personnel can help you navigate the transition.