Every Child Achieving and Thriving: the SEND White Paper and consultation

The long-awaited Every Child Achieving and Thriving white paper has now been published, alongside the SEND reform consultation.

It proposes redesigning the SEND framework to bring greater consistency and financial control to a strained system, featuring a national three-tier structure and standardised “packages” of specialist support. However, moving away from individually specified provision raises important questions about flexibility, accountability, and families' practical ability to challenge decisions. 

In this article, I outline the key proposals and consider their practical implications.  Click here for the full article.