Response to the Government’s Schools White Paper
Our CEO, Katie Ghose, responds to the Government’s Schools White Paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’.
Published: 23 Feb 2026
Today’s Schools White Paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ could transform childhood for disabled children and their families by giving every child the chance to go to a school where they can learn, make friends and achieve their potential. It is wrong that families have to fight for their children’s basic rights; the Government has recognised this with a promise of earlier, more flexible help.
The Secretary of State for Education has said that as a result of the reform, we will see an ‘expansion in children’s rights’, and a new legal duty on schools to produce an individual support plan to reach more children is very welcome. We champion stronger rights because they level the playing field, reduce the postcode lottery of support, and protect families whose voices too often go unheard.
However, we are very concerned about which children will in future will be eligible for an EHCP. Children’s needs can fluctuate and EHCPs must remain open to any child whose needs cannot be met by an individual support plan.
We welcome the investment across all ages and stages of education – early years, schools and post‑16 – a crucial signal that real SEND reform must be about investing upfront, not cutting costs.
The focus on mainstream inclusion, earlier intervention and ‘Experts at Hand’ is encouraging, but these commitments must be backed by enforceable frameworks so every child can access specialist input, high‑quality teaching and family support.
We will continue to press for credible workforce plans, strong joint accountability across education, health and care, and firm safeguards to ensure children are properly supported, included, and have their rights respected in practice.
As the consultation starts, parents will be asking how the details will add up to a guarantee that things will be truly different for their disabled child at the school gates and beyond. That is why meaningful consultation matters. Government must hear from young people, families, and professionals, and take the time to design a system that works in practice.
Learn more about our vision for SEND reform here.