Families Invited to Join the National Conversation on SEND Reform

Families and professionals across the East Riding are being encouraged to take part in a national conversation on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform.

The Department for Education wants to hear directly from parents, carers, children and young people, and those working across education, health, and care settings. Over the coming months, people are invited to share their views, experiences, and ideas to help shape long-term improvements to the SEND system.

This conversation aims to build a shared understanding of what works well, what needs to change, and how reforms can be grounded in lived experience.

Why Your Voice Matters

The national conversation is open to:

• Parents and carers
• Children and young people
• Professionals working in schools, colleges, early years, health and care
• VCSE organisations supporting families and young people

Every contribution will help inform reforms designed to improve outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said:

“I’d encourage people to feed into the conversation, to ensure the views and experiences of families, educators and experts inform the national reforms to SEND, and that the reforms are grounded in lived experience and practical insights.”

The Five Principles Guiding SEND Reform

The government has set out five key principles to guide its approach:

1. Early: Children should receive the support they need as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent needs from escalating and help children thrive from the start.
2. Local: Children and young people should be supported close to home, learning alongside their peers wherever possible. Special schools will continue to play a vital role for those with more complex needs.
3. Fair: All education settings should be properly resourced to meet common and changing needs, without families having to struggle to access support. Clear safeguards will remain in place where specialist provision is required.
4. Effective: Reforms should be evidence-based, ensuring education settings can access and use approaches that lead to strong long-term outcomes.
5. Shared: Education, health, care services, local government, families, and the VCSE sector should work together to deliver better experiences and outcomes for children and young people.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to take part:

Join live online events

Schools Minister Georgia Gould will host online discussions with expert panels:

• Tuesday 6 January, 6pm and Wednesday 14 January, 6pm
• Share your views online
• You can submit ideas, feedback, and experiences directly through the online platform.

Full details, registration links, and information on how to take part can be found via the Department for Education’s SEND reform pages.