2026 promises to be a landmark year for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The long-awaited Schools White Paper is expected to outline the government’s vision for SEND reform, acknowledging that the current system struggles to meet rising levels of need and often fails to provide the support young people require.
Some key reforms already announced include:
- A £3 billion pledge to expand and fund specialist and inclusive learning spaces in mainstream schools.
- The proposal to centrally fund the full cost of SEND provision from 28-29 to prevent councils from accumulating further debt.
- A national SEND training programme to ensure every teacher receives support on SEND and inclusion, addressing long-standing gaps in confidence and consistency.
Against this backdrop of policy change, NGA will be hosting a SEND conference, bringing together expert speakers from across the education sector. The event will support boards in understanding how the SEND system can be improved in practice and will explore the multiple perspectives that shape effective SEND provision.
Full details of speakers will be announced soon. Book your place today to join the live conversation.