Our response to government’s proposed reforms to the SEND system
We respond to today’s SEND White Paper, a government policy document outlining proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England.
Sarah Brown-Fraser, Head of Communications and Policy, said:
“As the leading voice for disabled people in sports and activities, we fully support the government’s ambition for a society where disabled children and their families can access the support they need without having to fight for it. We also welcome the additional investment announced - it is urgently needed and long overdue.
We are pleased that the Government has listened to key partners like the Disabled Children’s Partnership and communities by committing to legally backed support plans for all children with SEND, and by retaining Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the tribunal system. This is a major victory for everyone who has worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen these essential rights over the past year.
Every day, families tell us what they want - for their child to be able to take part in the same sports, clubs, and physical activities as their non-disabled peers. We want all children to feel safe, supported, and included by staff who understand their needs. We want children to play, develop skills, build confidence, and make friends through movement and activity.
The funding announced has the potential to transform access to these opportunities. Spent well, it could help schools and community settings remove long‑standing barriers that prevent many disabled children from taking part in sport and physical activity.
However, we are deeply concerned by proposals to restrict EHCPs only to children with “the most complex needs,” without being clear about who is included. Without clarity and reassurance, families across the country will be left facing months of anxiety about whether their child will still qualify for the support they rely on.
We now want to work with government, MPs, young people, and families to ensure the reforms have real power behind them. Every disabled child must access the right support at the right time, including the support they need to be active and participate fully in sport and physical activity. Without strong enforcement and clear rights, these reforms risk failing the very children they are designed to help.”
Access our resources and training on our inclusive education hub.
