SEND Reforms Move Toward Legislation; £4 Billion Investment Expands Inclusive Schools Support
The government's landmark Schools White Paper outlined a £4 billion SEND investment package to make mainstream schools more inclusive and deliver specialist support earlier. New consultation guidance on early years funding, SEND inclusion formulas, and support structures was published in July 2026.
The government has advanced its SEND reform programme, moving from consultation toward legislative implementation. Published guidance in July 2026 opened new consultations on early years funding reforms, Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS), and a proposed local SEND inclusion formula that would allow councils to direct more funding directly to mainstream schools upfront.
What the £4 Billion Package Includes
- £1.6 billion 'inclusive mainstream fund' for targeted interventions in schools and early years settings
- £1.8 billion 'experts at hand' service giving schools direct access to specialist support (SEND teachers, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists) regardless of EHCP status
- £3.7 billion capital programme including 60,000 new specialist SEND places
- Investment in adaptive teaching training for all staff
The reforms aim to shift from a reactive, assessment-focused system (where families must fight for an Education, Health and Care Plan) to a proactive, inclusive model where support is available to any child who needs it. Current EHCP rights and existing protections remain in force during the consultation and legislative phases. New assessments under any reformed system will not begin until September 2029.
What This Means for Expat Families
If your child has additional educational needs (SEND) or is suspected to have them, the current legal protections around EHCPs remain unchanged. You can still request an EHCP assessment and your child continues to have the same rights while reforms are being implemented. The new emphasis on inclusive mainstream schools and early access to specialists (without needing an EHCP) may benefit children with mild to moderate needs. However, if your child requires a statement of special needs or has significant difficulties, seek advice from your local authority's SEND team and consider engaging an advocate or solicitor to understand your current rights and how proposals might affect you.
Sources
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