12 FEBRUARY 2026
You may have heard discussions about the government’s upcoming Schools White Paper, particularly around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). For many families and professionals, change in this area can naturally raise questions and concerns. This article explains what a Schools White Paper is, what it is expected to cover, and, importantly, what it means for children and young people with SEND.
What is a white paper?
White papers are policy documents produced by the Government that set out its proposals for future legislation. The Government is not required to publish a white paper before introducing all new legislation, but it is advised for areas that require further debate and policy thinking.
When will any changes happen?
Even after the white paper is published, no immediate changes will take place.
Any reforms would need:
- A consultation period
- Parliamentary debate
- New legislation
This means that any changes are unlikely to come into effect before the 2029–30 academic year at the earliest. There will be time for families and professionals to understand proposals and have their voices heard.
What do we expect from the Schools White Paper?
The Schools White Paper is expected to be published in February and will outline the future direction of education policy in England.
For families and professionals supporting children with SEND, the most relevant section will focus on SEND reform. There is broad agreement that the current system is under significant pressure and needs to work better for children and families.
Based on what we know so far, the white paper is likely to include:
- Proposals to reform the EHCP system, which is currently struggling to meet rising demand
- A continued recognition that special schools are a vital part of the education system, particularly for children with the most complex needs
- A strong emphasis on early intervention, with the aim of providing the right support sooner
What does this mean for families right now?
Right now, nothing changes.
EHCPs remain in place. Children will continue to receive the support set out in their plans, and specialist provision remains a key part of the education landscape.
How WG is supporting families and professionals
We are closely monitoring developments and engaging with the conversation around SEND reform.
After the white paper is published, and we have a clear understanding of the content and what it will mean to you, we will be:
- Sharing clear summaries of the white paper and what it means in practice
- Hosting live Q&As with our specialists
- Providing downloadable guides for parents and professionals
Our commitment remains the same: to help children with SEND thrive, and to support families and professionals with clarity and confidence.
You are not navigating this alone, and we will continue to share trusted information as the picture becomes clearer.
We know uncertainty can feel unsettling, especially when your child’s support matters so deeply. That’s why clear, factual information is so important.