SEND The Truth: Public Response to the 2026 Schools White Paper
Research on the impact of the Schools White Paper Reforms on SEND education
“SEND The Truth” is an independent research report from SENsational Tutors Ltd. in response to the government’s Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which was published in February 2026. This public-led response explores genuine concerns surrounding the White Paper’s proposal for how SEN education is identified, funded and delivered across England’s schools. The research serves as a detailed response to the Schools White Paper consultation to help improve understanding of the actual lived experiences behind the proposed reforms.
Key findings from the research:
- 40% of participants identified children’s mental wellbeing as their #1 concern
- 72% are concerned about the lack of EOTAS information in the White Paper
- 70.7% are concerned about the focus on mainstream schools
- 1/5 – the most common confidence score given – ‘Not at all confident’ – across all three confidence questions
- EHCP reforms
- EHCP replacement concerns
- Individual Support Plans (ISP vs EHCP)
- The use of automated tiered systems
- Accountability within SEND provision
- EOTAS access
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Mainstream school inclusion
- SEND legal protections
Access the full SEND The Truth white paper response to read more about our public research findings, lived experience testimony, consultation, SEND reforms analysis and recommendations for government and policymakers.
Why This Research Matters
The Schools White Paper and proposed SEND reforms could significantly change how support is accessed and delivered to children and young people with SEND across England.
Behind the policy debate are the real experiences of children, parents and educators who are already struggling to navigate the SEND system.
“SEND The Truth” captures these lived experiences at a critical moment in the national conversation around SEND reform. As discussions around EHCP reforms, EOTAS provision and Individual Support Plans (ISPs) continue, the research offers valuable insight into how proposed changes may affect the day-to-day realities of SEN education and families across England.
The findings highlight growing concerns around legal protections, mental wellbeing and access to appropriate support, while giving families and professionals an opportunity to contribute directly to the wider response to the Department for Education’s Schools White Paper report.
''And all of this is being lumped onto the teacher without adequate training in SEND. I don’t know how the government thinks they’re going to suddenly do it, you know, a couple of inset days and woohoo, all of a sudden you’re a SEND specialist. It doesn’t work like that.''