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MP's SEND Round-table: Shaping the Future of Support for Children and Young People

  • Kevin Bonavia
  • Apr 20
  • 4 min read

20 April 2026

Kevin Bonavia


On Friday 17 April, I was pleased to host a SEND round-table in Stevenage, bringing together parents, educators, and local stakeholders to discuss the Government’s proposed reforms to the education system.


This event formed part of a wider conversation around the Government’s Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper and its accompanying public consultation, SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First. Both set out an ambitious vision for how we can better support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).


If you would like to explore the full detail, you can read the proposals and respond to the consultation here:

The consultation is open until 18 May, and I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in SEND provision to take part.


The White Paper, published on 23 February, does not itself change the law. Instead, it signals the Government’s intended direction of travel for education reform.


At its core, this is a shift away from what has been described as an overly narrow, school-focused system, toward a broader vision of childhood development from early years through to adulthood. This includes a stronger emphasis on early intervention, community-based support, and improving outcomes for children with SEND.


The Government has also highlighted concerns that the current system is not consistently delivering inclusive education, particularly for children who should be able to thrive in mainstream settings.

 

Key Points from the Discussion

During the round-table, several important themes emerged, reflecting both opportunities and concerns within the proposals. It's a common source of frustration and dismay that navigating the system requires a great deal of research and support, which is often not there. The parents who are struggling the most with a lack of support for their child's SEND issues have the least time to devote to learning a labyrinthine system.


Here are some of the most pressing matters raised at the meeting:

  • Getting the system working: Aside from rebuilding the system, getting it to reliably deliver the measures already in place is urgently needed. That's why the plans include significant investment and workforce expansion to improve access to support in the short and long term.

  • Inclusion in mainstream schools: Many children could thrive in their current education setting, if the support to make this possible could be provided. New standards and resources will aim to support better practice, and make sure plans are followed.

  • Children’s rights: Far too many parents are having to fight for years to get their children the support they need, and this must be made easier with no weakening of that support. EHCPs will continue for those with the greatest needs, supported by clearer national frameworks and wraparound support.

  • Family involvement: Parents and carers' voices are not always heard as they should be. With these proposals, they will be able to play a central role in shaping support plans, making it easier to engage with the services involved.

  • Children’s voices: Listening the children and understanding their needs must be at the heart of the SEND system. A new Pupil Engagement Framework will aim to ensure young people are heard and their wellbeing is prioritised.

 

Your Voice Matters

This event was an important opportunity to hear directly from the Stevenage community. The insights shared will help inform my contribution to the national consultation and ongoing discussions with Ministers.


However, this is only part of the process. The consultation is open to everyone, and your experiences and perspectives are vital in shaping a system that works.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young person, I encourage you to take part in the national consultation to share your views before the 18 May deadline.


The SEND Reform Principles

The consultation outlines five key principles that will underpin future changes:

1. Early: Support should be provided as soon as possible, with systems able to respond quickly as needs evolve.

2. Local: Children should, wherever appropriate, be educated close to home and within their community.

3. Fair: All settings should be equipped to meet common needs without families having to struggle for support. Specialist provision must be available where required.

4. Effective: Provision should be evidence-based, with clear guidance on what works and leads to strong long-term outcomes.

5. Shared: Services across education, health, and care should work together, with families and young people at the centre of decision-making.

 

What Could Change?

The proposals include a range of policy measures aimed at improving both access to and quality of SEND support:

  • Increased funding, including an additional £7 billion compared to 2025–26 levels

  • Investment in early years identification through a new Inclusive Early Years Fund

  • Dedicated SEND practitioners in every Best Start Family Hub

  • A review of childcare and early education to simplify access for families

  • Expanded access to specialists such as educational psychologists and speech and language services


There is also a strong focus on strengthening mainstream inclusion, including the introduction of new National Inclusion Standards and improved guidance for schools.

 

Reforming EHCPs and Support Structures

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will remain in place for children with the most complex needs. However, the system around them is set to change. This will help to provide more tailored support for the full range of needs, and do so more quickly.


The Government proposes a three-tier model of support:

  • Targeted Support: Delivered within mainstream settings through Individual Support Plans

  • Targeted Plus: Additional input from education and health professionals

  • Specialist Support: For the most complex needs, guided by nationally defined Specialist Provision Packages


These changes are intended to provide clearer, more consistent support while reducing the need for families to navigate complex systems.

 

What Happens Next?

I will be feeding back the key points raised at this event into the consultation and continuing to engage with local people who have a stake in getting this right. I will also be meeting with headteachers and other people involved in the system to get as much information as possible on the issues that need fixing, and how to make that happen.


Reforming SEND provision is complex, but it is essential that any changes deliver a system that is fair, effective, and truly centred on children and families.


Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a thoughtful and constructive discussion. I'll also be following up with people who raised individual casework queries, to provide help through my office.

 
 
 

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