This week’s update is focused on the Government’s SEND reform proposals and covers:
Thank you to everyone who has shared their views with HPCI. We heard from nearly 200 parents! We know it can take time and energy to contribute, especially when you are already juggling so much. Your feedback has helped us shape our response to the Government’s SEND Reform consultation.
What parents told us
One message came through very clearly: many families feel trust has been lost. Parents told us change needs to be more than small tweaks – it needs to improve how the system works day to day, make things more consistent, and make sure people are accountable.
Many families said they want to be properly involved in decisions from the start, as equal partners – not asked for views after choices have already been made. Parents also shared that it can be hard to take part because of previous experiences, worry about the impact of speaking up, language barriers, and sheer exhaustion.
Another strong theme was fairness. Parents asked for clear national standards, so support does not depend on where you live or which school your child goes to. Families also want needs picked up earlier, better communication, and services that work together instead of passing people from one place to another.
Lots of parents are worried that moving support from EHCPs to Individual Support Plans could make it harder to make sure help actually happens. Families told us that any new plans must be clear about what support will be provided, who is responsible, and what you can do if it is not delivered. Many parents also said the right to appeal (including through the Tribunal) is essential.
We also heard how important it is for schools and settings to be welcoming and inclusive every day, for every child. Parents mentioned trauma‑informed approaches, behaviour policies that are flexible and fair, and mental health support that is easy to access and understands SEND.
Overall, families want a system that is fair, consistent, properly resourced and centred on children’s needs – not one that depends on postcode, or having the energy to keep pushing.
You can read our full consultation response on our website. If you have not shared your views yet, we would really encourage you to take a look and consider sending in your own response.
And remember
