The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, as it stands, is failing too many children and families. Despite ever-increasing investment, outcomes are worsening, and too many children are not achieving in line with their potential. At the same time, local authorities are under unsustainable financial pressure, struggling to meet rising levels of need within a system that was not designed for the scale or complexity of today's challenges. ADCS has long been clear that incremental fixes are no longer enough — what is needed now is root-and-branch reform.
Inclusive education must sit at the heart of that reform. As ADCS set out in its policy position paper more than 18 months ago, a truly effective education system is one built on strong collaboration, guided by a shared moral purpose across schools, local authorities, families and partners. Mainstream schools must be equipped with the right resources, support, and training to meet the full spectrum of children's needs, while high-quality specialist provision must remain available for those whose need for significant levels of support will continue throughout their lives.
ADCS is clear about what is required: a nationally defined, evidence-based and sustainably funded framework that sets out what every child and family should be able to expect from mainstream settings as standard.
Any successful outcome will depend on comprehensive reform of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), as these plans are foundational to how the future SEND system will operate. At present, EHCPs too often remain the default route to accessing support, when they should be reserved for children and young people with the most complex and enduring needs. Families must have confidence that support will be available earlier and more consistently, without needing to rely on a statutory plan.
ADCS is clear about what is required: a nationally defined, evidence-based and sustainably funded framework that sets out what every child and family should be able to expect from mainstream settings as standard. Health and care partners must be fully embedded as equal contributors, with duties that are practical, enforceable and accountable, rather than viewed as an add-on to education.
The long-anticipated SEND White Paper represents a critical opportunity to tackle these systemic issues head-on and to create a system that genuinely serves children, young people and their families. ADCS urges government to act decisively — to build a SEND system that is sustainable, equitable and focused on improving outcomes for every child and young person. Only through bold, comprehensive reform can we deliver the lasting change that children and families both need and deserve.
Rachael Wardell OBE, President of ADCS
