Also in the SEND reform explained section
SEND reform in England
Clear, honest information about what the Government has proposed, what remains uncertain and the rights and processes families can still use now.
The Government's main SEND reform consultation, Putting Children and Young People First, closed on 18 May 2026.
The Government is considering the responses. It has not yet published its final decisions, detailed legislation or complete transition arrangements. Current SEND law and existing rights remain in force.
The Government has published a Schools White Paper and a separate SEND reform consultation. The consultation proposed changes including Individual Support Plans, new levels of support, National Inclusion Standards, Inclusion Bases, Specialist Provision Packages and changes to the future role of EHCPs.
Some proposals could create opportunities for earlier and more consistent support. However, families and organisations have also raised serious concerns about access to EHCPs, enforceable provision, parental choice, accountability and meaningful routes of challenge.
Until the Government publishes its response and draft legislation, nobody can say with certainty what the final SEND system will look like. Descriptions of the future system should therefore be understood as proposals, not current law.
Hull Parent Carer Forum submitted its formal response to the Government's SEND reform consultation on behalf of Hull parent carers.
Our response was shaped by the views, experiences and concerns families shared with us. It sets out where we believe the proposals could improve support, as well as the safeguards, legal protections and practical changes that families told us must not be overlooked.
Published: 20 May 2026
Read HPCF's full consultation responseThese are separate consultations connected to SEND and education reform. Parent carers can respond using their own experiences and do not have to answer every question.
Closes 18 September 2026
This covers EOTAS, alternative provision for children unable to attend school for health reasons and provision delivered by accredited online education providers. It asks about responsibility, quality, reviews, outcomes and possible reintegration.
Read and respond on GOV.UKCloses 18 September 2026
This asks about temporary arrangements for local authorities to give mainstream schools more SEND funding upfront through a proposed local SEND inclusion formula. No decision to implement the policy has yet been made.
Read and respond on GOV.UKCloses 14 September 2026
This includes proposed changes to the allocation of SEND funding for early-years settings, the Early Years National Funding Formula and local funding rules.
Read and respond on GOV.UKYou may want to explain:
The proposed reforms do not replace duties that are currently in force. Children, young people and families continue to have rights under the Children and Families Act 2014, the Equality Act 2010 and the current SEND Code of Practice.
We are developing this area to help parent carers understand the processes they can use now. It will include:
Who can make a request, the legal test, useful evidence, statutory timescales and what to do if the local authority refuses.
When to raise an issue informally, make a formal complaint, appeal to the Tribunal or approach the Ombudsman.
Raising concerns about local SEND servicesWhat should happen before, during and after a review, the local authority's four-week decision stage and when appeal rights arise.
What to do before appealing, mediation certificates, Tribunal directions, evidence and checking that agreements or orders are implemented.
Important: making a complaint does not normally pause or extend a SEND Tribunal appeal deadline.
Hull SENDIASS is a free, confidential and impartial service for Hull children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND and their parents and carers. You do not need a diagnosis or an EHCP to use the service.
It provides legally based information and advice about SEND rights, EHC needs assessments, EHCPs, complaints, mediation and Tribunal appeals. It may also provide focused casework and support or representation in meetings, mediation and Tribunal proceedings.
Hull SENDIASS also offers training designed to increase parents' and carers' knowledge of SEND law, guidance, local policy and participation. Its offer includes:
Telephone: 01482 467541
Email: hullsendiass@kids.org.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Hull's SEND mediation service is provided by Collis mediation. The correct mediation contact should also be included in the local authority's decision letter.
Visit Collis mediationGOV.UK explains which EHC decisions can be appealed, mediation requirements, deadlines and how to register an appeal.
Read the official appeal guidanceHull Parent Carer Forum will continue to:
