The Government has announced plans to reform the special education needs and disabilities system (SEND) in a new white paper, which could affect around one in five children in England. But one expert has warned that how it’s delivered could determine whether this will be for thebetter or worse.

Educational psychologist Dr Ahmar Ferguson broke down exactly what will be changing as thegovernment plans to address a number of issues in this white paper such as rising demand, deficits and waiting times. He said: “Proposals include earlier intervention, strengthened teacher training, greater school control over funding, the introduction of individual support plans, expanded access to specialist advice through an ‘Experts at Hand’ model, and increased investment in the workforce.

“The White Paper signals a long-awaited shift from reactive responses to systemic thinking and early intervention. That change in tone matters.”

• When to call 999 and 'key sign' of highly contagious vomiting bug in 'second surge'


• Woman with sore throat went to Porto and ended up in a coma

While Dr Ferguson is “cautiously optimistic” about the reforms, he warned that the ultimate test of whether these changes will have the desired effect will lie in their implementation. He explained how the changes stand to impact teachers, parents and students.

The reforms hope to identify issues and provide help earlier. It’s hoped this will help change the experience of education for SEND children, especially with a renewed focus on making the transition between primary school and secondary school smoother for them.

The psychologist explained these changes could also send the message to children that they are valued for more than just their academic achievements, with emotional safety and belonging now being seen as “legitimate outcomes”.

However, Dr Ferguson warned: “Transition is not just about information transfer. Without protected time for collaboration between settings, children may still experience disruption and uncertainty.

“Ultimately, earlier identification will only improve outcomes if there is sufficient specialist capacity. Without enough Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, the ambitions of the White Paper risk remaining aspirational rather than deliverable.”

Similarly, Dr Ferguson explained a major concern is that if the reform is rolled out incorrectly, it could ultimately see teachers becoming replacements for specialists, which should not be the case.

He said: “The goal must be collaboration. Greater school control over funding may increase flexibility, but it will also increase responsibility. Without adequate resources, leaders may feel caught between meeting need and managing budgets.

“Classrooms today are complex environments requiring a nuanced understanding of neurodiversity, trauma, speech and language needs, and social communication differences. Improved SEND training should increase teacher confidence and reduce the sense of isolation many feel.”

One of the more “significant” reforms the expert highlighted is the recognition that children can’t thrive scholastically when their home life is under strain. By helping identify issues and provide support earlier, parents may be able to skip the cycle of assessments, wait times and referrals that many can get stuck in.

But this plan has a catch too: “If statutory routes are discouraged in favour of internal support plans, some parents may feel uncertain about their rights. Reform must avoid unintentionally shifting responsibility onto families to seek clarity.

“Parental confidence will ultimately rest on delivery. If reforms raise expectations but capacity cannot meet demand, frustrations may increase rather than reduce.”

These reforms are not due to be implemented overnight. The Government has plans to provide £7billion more in funding for SEND support in 2028/2029 than was provided in the 2025/2026 year.

Education, Health and Care Plans currently being provided will not be changed before September 2030. More information about the reforms can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.