The government unveils a 4 billion reform package for SEND in England, funded to expand mainstream inclusion with 1.6 billion for an inclusive mainstream fund and 1.8 billion to create an 'experts at hand' service of specialist staff in every area.

Funding also covers early years, schools, and colleges, with 1.8 billion for the experts-at-hand service to fund additional SEND teachers and speech and language therapists, plus capital to expand high needs provision and an inclusion base linked to a 3.7 billion school investment program.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented the package as a landmark reform, arguing the current SEND system does not work and needs broader, tailored support.

Analysts and charities welcomed the direction but warned that success hinges on recruiting and retaining enough educational psychologists and staff, and on stronger local authority accountability to meet legal duties.

The reforms were shaped by a broad listening exercise with parents and MPs, generating mixed expectations about whether details will hold once the full white paper is released.

Key quotes emphasize tailored support and opportunity for every child, while critics warn that without clearer funding specifics and delivery plans the reforms may not close the funding gap.

Parents may lose free school choice, instead receiving a list of options with an appeal right, while SEND tribunals can request reconsideration by local authorities.

Support comes from groups like NASUWT, the Children’s Commissioner, Unison, headteachers’ groups, Mencap, and the National Autistic Society, with varied views on funding sufficiency and rollout timelines.

Charities such as the National Autistic Society and Mencap welcomed the direction but warn funding may still be insufficient without clearer guarantees and higher investment.

The reforms aim to deliver tailored specialist support in mainstream schools, tightening EHCP eligibility to target the most severe cases while keeping support available for others.

Experts and think tanks say the plan is a necessary step but demand transparency on whether the money is new funding and require mechanisms to ensure real-world impact, including digital EHCP records and guarantees of ongoing support.

Prime Minister and Education Secretary highlight personal connections to learning difficulties, framing reforms as elevating inclusion, broader curricula, and higher standards.