SEND Reforms Delayed to 2026: What the Decision Means for Families, Schools and Local Authorities

The UK government has announced that the long-awaited reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system will be delayed until early 2026. Understandably, this has raised concerns among parents, local authorities, and sector organisations. The reforms were expected this autumn as part of the new Schools White Paper. Still, the Department for Education has decided that a further period of “co-creation” with families, educators, and experts is required before finalising any changes.

Why Are the SEND Reforms Being Delayed?

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson explained that additional time is needed to work closely with those directly affected by the system. She emphasised that the government intends to test proposals more thoroughly through nationwide listening sessions and regular meetings with parents and expert groups.

In a recent letter to the Education Select Committee, she said the upcoming White Paper will be “underpinned by our belief that high standards and inclusion are two sides of the same coin.”

This marks a shift towards deeper consultation, but the consequence is that decisions families have been waiting years for will be pushed back once again.

Why Is the Delay Causing Concern?

Reactions from stakeholders range from disappointment to cautious optimism.

Parents and Charities

The Disabled Children’s Partnership described the delay as “deeply frustrating” for families seeking certainty after years of challenges navigating SEND support. However, they acknowledged the value in taking time to “make the right decisions” and welcomed a stronger emphasis on listening to families.

Local Authorities

The County Councils Network warned that the system is “in crisis” and headed for a combined £6bn deficit by March next year, primarily driven by rising demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). They described the delay as “massively disappointing” given the urgent need for meaningful and sustainable reform.

Parliamentary Response

In contrast, Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Select Committee, welcomed the decision to engage more thoroughly with families, emphasising that children’s voices must be central to any new policies.

What Issues Are Driving the Need for Reform?

The SEND system has faced persistent scrutiny due to long-standing structural and financial challenges:

• The National Audit Office has declared the system “broken,” financially unsustainable, and failing to deliver good outcomes for children and young people.
• Demand for EHCPs has increased significantly, placing severe pressure on local authority budgets.
• Many families experience long waits, disputes, and inconsistent levels of support across regions.
• Schools and councils report that the current framework is not equipped to meet rising levels of need.

These pressures have led many to call for “root-and-branch” reform to create a fairer, more consistent, and financially sustainable system.

What Does the Delay Mean for Children, Families, and Schools?

1. Continued Uncertainty

Families must continue navigating a system widely recognised as under strain. For those already waiting for assessments or support, the delay means prolonged stress and unmet needs.

2. Ongoing Pressures on Local Authorities

Local authorities face significant financial risk. With rising costs and deepening deficits, service quality could decline, weakening the stability they are working hard to maintain.

3. Schools Facing Increasing Demand

Schools will continue to support rising numbers of children with SEND without clear structural changes, improvements, or guidance on additional funding.

4. Potential for More Informed and Effective Reform

While many are frustrated, the government argues that an extended consultation period will lead to better policy. However, many point out that this will only be achieved if the time is used both effectively & meaningfully to co-design solutions with families, practitioners, and experts.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The government has confirmed it intends to publish a full Schools White Paper early in the new year, with final SEND reforms expected in 2026. Across the sector, there are strong calls for:

• Clarity on the future of EHCPs
• Sustainable long-term funding
• Greater consistency across local authorities
• Faster assessments and more accessible support
• A system shaped by the lived experience of families

Whether the delay will ultimately improve outcomes or extend the challenges faced by an already strained system remains to be seen. In the meantime, children, parents, and SEND professionals can only wait to see what the future holds for SEND provision in England.