While a further delay will clearly frustrate many, there is now an opportunity for the sector to work together to shape and articulate a plan that addresses short-term challenges and offers a coherent vision for the future of the SEND system.
Responding to the government’s decision to delay the publication of its Schools White Paper until early 2026, Director of the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) and NCB Strategic Director of Practice and Programmes Amanda Allard said:
“Delaying the publication of the Schools White Paper until the New Year will undoubtedly be frustrating for many. However, we very much welcome the commitment to use this interim period to ‘co-create’. This is a critical opportunity for the sector to work together to shape and articulate a coherent vision for the SEND system.
"This must include a robust plan to address the short-term challenges alongside a transformational vision for the future. We urge the government to adopt a joined-up approach that harmonises policy ambitions across related areas, including the Curriculum and Assessment Review, Ofsted; Best Start in Life and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.”
You can read the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson's letter to the Education Select Committee, explaining the delay here.